FRESNO PACIFIC UNIVERSITY VOL. 16, NO. 1 president’s message D. Merrill Ewert

The journey toward excellence is the journey toward God

od calls us to excellence. are those of people who have earned ships to study in the best graduate From creating the world the right to be heard through personal schools. Faculty contribute to their (which God labeled and professional excellence. disciplines and infl uence scholarship “good”) to sending his The Fresno Pacifi c Idea’s call to within their fi elds. Gonly Son to be our redeemer, God be prophetic invites us to observe and Fear is the biggest barrier to has given His best and expects our critique our world. It also calls people excellence—fear of the unknown, fear best in return. He insisted the ancient to repent, to build community, to rec- of failure, fear that we’re not good Hebrews worship Him through sac- oncile with each other and to serve. enough and even fear that leadership rifi ces of spotless lambs and bulls People are more likely to acknowledge will earn us opposition. A commit- without blemish. In the same way, us in this call when they respect the ment to excellence does not mean God expects us to do our utmost to culture of excellence from which our setting unrealistic expectations of our- cultivate the talents He has given us prophetic voice emerges. selves and others. God created within and use them in His service. In a culture of excellence, people us the capacity for learning and Over the past several months, celebrate their accomplishments while growth, and challenges us to fulfi ll we have discussed the Fresno Pacifi c always striving to improve. Ener- our potential. Most of us use less of Idea, which calls us to be a Christian gized by the recognition of their own that capacity and achieve less of our university, to function as a commu- growth and development, they are potential than God intended. nity of learners and to speak and act inspired to further accomplishment. We must recognize that excel- prophetically, or in conscience, about Excellence fl ows through healthy lence is a journey, not a destination. issues in our culture. Effective proph- organizations. Buildings are clean, God can give us the courage to make ets are not those who speak with stri- grounds well groomed and attractive, that journey—as individuals, as an dent voices. On the contrary, respect people know their jobs and perform institution, as His Church. comes through the quality of our them well. In academic institutions, work rather than the quantity of our this also means classes are well taught, words. In the university, just as every- students study hard and graduates where else, the most respected voices fi nd challenging jobs or earn fellow- PACIFIC FRESNO PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

Volume 16, Number 1 March 2003

Fresno Pacific University exists to prepare students for faithful and wise service through excellence in Christian higher education, and to strengthen the church and improve society through scholarship and service.

INAUGURATION See story on page 3. PRESIDENT D. Merrill Ewert

PACIFICcontents MAGAZINE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT AND UNIVERSITY RELATIONS Mark Deffenbacher

DIRECTOR OF MEDIA AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS page 4 Alumni faculty and staff combine Diana Bates Mock service AND vocation EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Wayne Steffen [email protected] 3 Inaugurating a new era DESIGN DIRECTOR Campus community gathers to welcome Gail Enns a new president [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITER 10 Change of heart Douglas E. Noll River trip opens an attorney’s eyes

CONTRIBUTING to possibilities of peace PHOTOGRAPHERS Wayne Steffen, Ken Isaak, 11 Around the green Mike Karibian Two new vice presidents assume their duties Pacific is sent to alumni and friends of Fresno Pacific University and to mem- bers of the Pacific District Conference 14 Building our future of the Mennonite Brethren Churches. Accounting students benefit from new scholarship OUR MAILING ADDRESS 1717 S. Chestnut Ave. Fresno, CA 93702-4709 16 1717 South Chestnut Avenue Fax: 559-453-2007 Derek Thomason and Pakisa Tshimika www.fresno.edu take FPU mission to local law enforcement

Alumni 559-453-2058 and the worldwide church Advancement 559-453-2080 College Admissions 800-660-6089 20 Sunbird Athletics Graduate School 559-453-3667 School of Professional Studies Honors abound for student athletes 559-453-2015 sidebarMESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

Honoring alumni employees worth taking a chance

How a stroll down memory lane turns to a tap dance through a minefield. This calendar is designed to present What could be more fun than a look at alumni faculty and staff? Here’s an opportu- an overall view of activities at Fresno nity to tell stories of folks who obviously have a heart for FPU; why else would they Pacific University. Individual events may willingly return here to work after sweating it out as students? It’s also a chance to be aimed at a specific audience, carry cull the archives for intriguing, not to mention embarrassing, photos of campus life a fee and require advance registra- in days gone by. tion. All events are subject to change. For the latest information, contact the How could anything possibility go wrong? Here’s how: sponsoring university department. • Whom do you pick to talk to, how do you pick ‘em and what do you tell those All locations are in Fresno, unless you don’t? otherwise listed • Will the non-alumni employees take offense? MARCH • Make sure not to make it appear alumni employees couldn’t get jobs anywhere else or wouldn’t go out in the world. 5-11 Women’s Basketball GSAC Championships, TBA Sigh. Let me take those one at a time. 13-18 Men’s Basketball GSAC Championships, Yes, the process for selecting alumni to feature was as scientific as a Hail Mary at the Azusa Pacific University buzzer. The result is a gumbo of faculty and staff, men and women, decades and dif- 14 Delgado/Nance Guitar Concert, ferent parts of the university. To those who were not selected, my heartfelt apologies McDonald Hall Atrium at the lack of time and space. 26-30 Men’s Basketball NAIA National Tournament, Kansas As a non-alumni employee myself, I dearly hope my colleagues will agree it is worth recognizing those who think enough of their educational experience to share that APRIL experience with others. 1 Concert Band Spring Concert, Sunnyside High School I’ll let two who have been around here a whole lot longer, done a whole lot more to 10 Pacific Brass & Handbell Choir build the place and are a whole lot smarter than I handle the last question: Concert, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church “These former students bring a special loyalty to and understanding of the 10-12 Spring Mainstage, visionary nature and fundamental mission of Fresno Pacific University. Many The Book of Acts, were here during the formative years. As students they identified deeply with Mennonite Community Church the mission and nature. They have returned to build on that earlier founda- 22 Musica Pacifica Baroque tion and further the vision. Their deep concern is that FPU never fades into Orchestra & Pacific Chamber Singers Concert, Fresno Art uniformity with other institutions but rather continue to nurture its unique- Museum ness. We do well to listen to their voices.” —Arthur Wiebe 14 Flautas Pacifica & Women’s Chorale Spring Concert, “When people return to us they tend to have a fairly good grasp of the values McDonald Hall Atrium and nature of the place. They seem to have a sense of what this place is all 25-26 Track and Field about: community, the Fresno Pacific Idea, the ideal of service. They absorbed GSAC Championship, it and liked it. They’ve embodied what we’ve been trying to do, which is to model the pursuit of excellence. They tend to be a cut above. They tend to 27 Concert Choir Home Concert, add well to the mix.” —Edmund Janzen First Congregational Church

—Wayne Steffen MAY 3 Commencement 22-24 Track and Field NAIA National CORRECTION Championship, Olathe, Kansas The following information was published incorrectly in the article “Living in the Spirit” on page 4 of Pacific, Volume 15, Number 3. The phrase “Mother Theresa and the Sisters of Mercy” should read “Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity.” We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the errors.

2 | PACIFIC | Former presidents joined Priscilla and D. Merrill Ewert in a cere- mony symbolizing the continuation of FPU. From left are Arthur Wiebe, Edmund Janzen, Priscilla Ewert, D. Merrill Ewert and Richard Kriegbaum (Alan Carden is next to Kriegbaum).

Inauguration concluded with a concert by Philip Aaberg and Eugene Friesen in First Presbyterian Church. The performance, which included singer Milton Friesen (Eugene’s brother and min- ister of music at Visalia United Methodist Church) and organist Laurell Huber (FPU faculty), was also a benefi t for the university music department. From left are Eugene Friesen, Aaberg, Huber and Milton Friesen. Ewert calls FPU to engagement and excellence

he university community came together its historical context, examines its core values and promotes to inaugurate D. Merrill Ewert as vigorous debate on issues that matter. “The engaged univer- 10th president. sity sees the unity of word and deed, theory and practice,” T Ewert said. Such is the spirit of The Fresno Pacifi c Idea, FPU’s Ceremonies took place November 8 in the Special Events philosophical statement, “to be an engaged university that is Center (SEC). Approximately 1,300 people were present, thoroughly Christian in orientation, passionate about scholar- including faculty, staff, students, trustees, community and ship and committed to outreach and service,” he said. church leaders and delegates from other colleges and universi- Ewert came to FPU from Cornell University, where he ties. Speakers included Peter Klassen, chair of the FPU Board served as professor, director and associate dean of Cornell of Trustees; Rod Swatasky, president of Messiah College, rep- Cooperative Extension. He has also been assistant and associ- resenting the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities; ate professor of education at Cornell, director of extension Peter Mehas, Fresno County superintendent of education; and continuing education at Wheaton College and assistant Henry Dick, past executive pastor of the Pacifi c District Con- professor of adult/extension education at the University of ference of Mennonite Brethren Churches; and Helene Dil- Maryland. As a Fulbright Senior Scholar, Ewert worked with lard, professor and associate dean, Cornell University. farmers in the Philippines. He also spent seven years in Africa The title of Ewert’s address was “Called to Excellence.” with relief agencies. FPU, he said, should be an engaged university that refl ects on

Inauguration ceremonies complete a week of related events:

• A seminar for the faculty and staff of FPU and • A College Hour panel discussion on academic Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS) freedom with James Pankratz, academic dean featuring Reid Carpenter, president of the of MBBS; Ned Doffoney, president of Fresno National Council of Leadership. City College; and Gayle Trollinger, chair of the • A community service luncheon with Carpenter as department of education at Bluffton College. guest speaker. • A student-sponsored fi esta dinner and salsa con- • A prayer breakfast for faculty and staff of FPU cert on the Green. and MBBS hosted by Ewert and Henry Schmidt, seminary president. LEARN MORE: www.fresno.edu/inauguration

| PACIFIC | 3 Alumni faculty and staff return to FPU to Refl ect the Mission by Wayne Steffen

SOME WERE GONE HALF A CAREER, Dave SOME MORE LIKE HALF A YEAR. Richert

Assistant registrar/technology Adonijah Pauls felt called. specialist Ruth Heinrichs stood at a crossroad. Fresno Pacifi c College B.A. (marketing) 1990 Esther Klassen-Isaak chose to reconnect with a goal. Mark Yoder sought to keep moving forward. Dina Gonzales hoped to help young people dream. Dave Richert wanted work with a mission.

hey all found a livelihood andT a life in an unexpected place— Returned in 1990 after a stint as a their alma mater. manager trainee in collections at Finance & Thrift Company. Infor- mation services staff for four years as computer center assistant and micro-computer systems supervi- sor. Stay-at-home dad and FPU consultant for four years. Began in the Registrar’s Offi ce in 1998 as assistant registrar.

4 | PACIFIC | Esther Klassen-Isaak

Director of Counseling Fresno Pacifi c College B.A. (psychology and history) 1977

Some 100 of the 275 regular faculty and staff at Fresno Pacifi c University are also alumni. The when and why of their returns vary as much as their roles on campus.

Here’s how it happened for a few:

As a student, did you ever consider working at FPU? Mental health worker at KingsView Adonijah: “I wanted to work in a Christian college, but not here specifi cally.” Hospital for four years. Registered nurse at Valley Medical Center (now Ruth: “I really liked the place, but the number of faculty was small and there was University Medical Center) for two little or no turnover—I couldn’t visualize myself here.” years. Moved to Seattle in 1985, worked for one year in medical Esther: “When we moved to Seattle, my husband and I thought we had Fresno in stress unit Auburn general Hospi- our rearview mirror! I’d been at FPC, and I was excited about opportunities in the tal, two years in cardiac nursing larger world.” (Her husband, Ken, is also an alumnus; he serves as sports informa- and three as a medical informa- tion director after a stint as fi nancial aid director.) tion nurse (telephone consultant) at Northwest Hospital. Returned in Mark: “I didn’t necessarily have that in mind at the time. I was pretty open. I like to 1991 as coordinator of counseling. travel and see where I end up.”

Dave: “Not at all. I was all set to go out in the business world and do whatever that meant. I really didn’t have a clue what to do with whatever God had given me.”

What brought you back?

Adonijah: “When the president calls you and says he has a job for you, well…” Arthur Wiebe, then president, went beyond merely making a job offer. Pauls was working on a master’s in library science at the University of Washington, and his scholarship from of Oregon required him either to work for a year in Oregon after graduation or pay back the grant. Wiebe saw to it the money was repaid.

Ruth: “There was a point I was at a crossroad. I had an offer from an accounting fi rm that would have taken me down the CPA route.” About that time Bob Enns and Dalton Reimer, faculty and administrators, contacted her to create the account- ing program. “It was almost a fl uke that I came back here. I never thought of myself as part of the formative years, but there was an incredible opportunity when I came. We still have that sense of opportunity. We’re not afraid to look at things in a differ- ent way.”

| PACIFIC | 5 Esther: “In high school, I wanted to become a therapist. This idea simmered in my mind for years, and on the way to church one Sunday morning in Seattle, Ken told me he had heard the coordinator of counseling position was open. I hoped the posi- tion might help me fulfi ll a long-held dream.”

Dina: Her old friend Steve Watkins was associate admissions director. “He knew my heart as far as helping people.” She wanted to earn her master’s and work in a Christian institution. “What I was doing didn’t have much room for a spiritual envi- ronment.” Pacifi Care gave her a one-year sabbatical, but she never went back. “This fulfi lls different parts of my life and the sacrifi ce economically was worth it.”

Dave: “They had a job opening in the Information Services Offi ce, where I had worked as a student. Also, I hated collections.” Dave wanted to work with Ken Metz, who had been his supervisor as a student.

Was it a challenge to return as an employee?

Adonijah: “When I came back to work, some of the faculty said, ‘You’re just a stu- dent.’ It took them awhile to see me as faculty.”

Ruth: “A little bit, not a lot.” She gained varied professional experiences in the 14 Adonijah years she was gone. Pauls Mark: “I don’t think it was much of a transition. Being familiar with people makes it easier, not harder.” He had already gone through a similar process when return- Librarian emeritus ing to Hesston as a coach after being a student there. “I think I scared people off at Pacifi c Bible Institute FPU,” he said, smiling. “A lot of people who were here teaching when I was a stu- A.A. (history)/three-year music dent were retiring when I came back.” diploma 1959 Pacifi c College Dina: “It worked out well.” Faculty Hugo Zorilla, Ted Nickel, Edmund Janzen and B.A. (social science/history) 1966 others were supportive. “They fully embraced me. They see me as an extension of their work, as I see my students as an extension of my work.” She found the same care and genuineness of faculty and staff she had seen as a student.

Dave: “A little bit, but it wasn’t hard. I felt like I was part of the staff, not a student.” By the time he began in the Registrar’s Offi ce he was a husband and father and had grown up quite a bit.

Do you have a sense of ownership here

Worked at Oregon State Library that you didn’t in other jobs? 1958-64. Returned in 1964 to earn B.A. Joined faculty in 1967 as direc- Ruth: “I do feel part and parcel of this place. I’m really glad to see the growth and tor of Hiebert Library. Also served as development of this campus and proud I’ve been a part of it. I’ve had a rare oppor- director of technical services. tunity to see this school grow and develop.” Retired in 1999, then worked part- time in 2000. Still volunteers in Esther: “Years after leaving FPC, it hit me how I was different from my co-workers: Pacifi c Bookshop during rush week I had a broader way of looking at things. FPC was instrumental in that. Employ- each semester. ees at FPU strike me as being very loyal, but the downside is that sometimes that

6 | PACIFIC | attachment and ownership is held too tightly. It would be hard for me to leave, though, whereas it was an easy decision to leave my last hospital job.”

Mark: “This is an institution I already have an investment in and I want to see it do well.” Connections with alumni make a big difference in a position like his and he has felt that support. “Alumni are just quicker to jump in and help when they know Ruth you.” Heinrichs Dina: “I have stocks in this place.” Fresno Pacifi c College B.A. (modern languages/French) Dave: “It gives you a more solid base of what you believe about this place. It ties you 1966 in deeper from the start. There’s more of a personal connection.”

How has FPU changed, or not, in your time? Adonijah: Growth is the big difference. “When I started there were 12-14 faculty and administrators and we sat around one large table for a faculty meeting.” Our reason to be here remains the same: “To prepare young people to serve Christ in the world.”

Ruth: “It has been just fascinating to watch how the physical campus has evolved.” When she came as student there were four buildings: Strasbourg, Sattler, Witmarsum Taught French and English at Sanger and Hiebert Library. “I remember students leapfrogging over the palm trees.” As fac- High School for two and one-half ulty she had offi ces in Witmarsum, the mail room, Kriegbaum Hall (then known as years. Real estate property manage- Motel 6), three locations in Strasbourg and six in McDonald Hall (which opened in ment for six years. Returned in 1980 1992). “Arthur Wiebe had a vision of this campus. We had sidewalks that didn’t lead as a member of the business faculty; to buildings. But, you know, we as students believed. We made jokes, of course, but also served as vice president for we believed. When I started my junior year here this was not an accredited institu- business affairs. tion for a four-year degree. We had absolute faith that we would have that.”

Evangel University Macalester College HOW WE COMPARE Springfi eld, Missouri St. Paul, Minnesota Here’s how a selection of other schools Assemblies of God; 1,700 students Private, four-year liberal-arts college; 1,822 fair in alumni employment. Figures vary About one-third of the 93 full-time faculty; students according to how each school counts its no fi gures available for staff About 14 percent, or 45 of 635 full-time alumni. At FPU, students who complete and part-time faculty and staff two semesters of full-time credit are Newberg, Oregon Malone College considered alumni. About 36 percent of Evangelical Friends; about 2,300 students Canton, Ohio employees are alumni. More than 20 percent of faculty and staff, Friends; 2,000 students or at least 80 out of 400 employees About 19 percent of 274 full-time employ- ees: 45 graduated and six attended without Dayton, Tennessee Huntington (Indiana) College graduating Nondenominational; 611 students Church of the United Brethren in Christ; About 34 percent of full-time and part-time more than 1,000 students Milligan College faculty and staff, or 50 of 147 (40 of the 134 Some 41 percent of 145 full-time faculty Milligan College, Tennessee full-time employees, and 10 of the 13 part and staff are “alumni” (those who com- Christian Churches and Churches of Christ; time) pleted more than 12 credits) or “alumnix” about 900 students (those who completed less than 12 credits) About 70 faculty and staff, or more than 40 Cedarville (Ohio) University percent Baptist; more than 3,000 students About 40 percent of faculty and staff Nashville, Tennessee Niagara (New York) University Nondenominational; 2,600 students Catholic liberal-arts university; about 2,400 DeSales University About 63 percent of all faculty and staff, undergraduate and 675 graduate students Center Valley, Pennsylvania or 344 of 550 employees at the university About 8-10 percent of the 650 employees Catholic; more than 2,000 students and its campus school—a prekindergarten earned a degree at Niagara before becom- About 13 percent of approximately 300 through 12th grade institution ing faculty or staff employees, or 40 people | PPACIFICACIFIC | 7 Esther: “I see a growing professionalism and specialization among faculty, adminis- trators and staff. We are maturing as individuals and collectively as an institution. I think we’re growing up. It’s a balancing act to maintain our core values while mod- ernizing and ‘keeping up with the competition.’ ”

Mark: Physically there have been many changes. On his fi rst day as a student, “I can remember pulling up at 2 or 3 in the morning after driving in from Kansas and thinking, ‘This can’t be a campus.’”

Dina: “We are achieving more and working to grow. It seems it’s always been better changes; we’re becoming more inclusive and not retreating back to being exclusive.” FPU was once a very small community and a lot of faculty and staff were related. “My fi rst thought coming here was that it exists to employ its community (broaden its minds and serve its church). Now we exist to serve the surrounding community, to be a light.”

Why do you stay?

Adonijah: “I stayed because God called me to Fresno Pacifi c, and it’s my and Eva’s prayer and desire that Fresno Pacifi c never loses site of the mission...that Christ is fundamental.” (Adonijah’s wife, Eva, is an alumna who served FPU in a variety of Dina posts for 16 years.)

Gonzalez Esther: “My role is different from the traditional classroom type of education, and some may see it as peripheral. But my role, and the role of the student life staff, Director of College Admissions is really tied to the educational enterprise of the university. We deal with personal Fresno Pacifi c College development, growth and learning. What is more educational than that? FPU has B.A. (social work) 1990 Fresno Pacifi c University given me many opportunities for professional development, through mentoring, M.A. (administrative leadership) teaching, academic counseling, etc., and I’ve been able to create my own niche. 1998 Values keep me here: the Anabaptist tradition and practice and the Fresno Pacifi c Idea. I’ve worked in tough environments where I was well-paid, and I prefer this style. Even with the inevitable diffi culties around here, when I hear people grouse, I think, ‘Yes but you really have no idea!’”

Mark: “I believe in the Fresno Pacifi c Idea.” The move was also good for the family. “Even as a student I liked Fresno. I like the fact that the mountains are close. My wife, Diane, likes the fact that the beach is close.”

Dina: Her ministry here is to educate Hispanic and other families about educational opportunities, “if they dare to dream.” The 10 girls she recruited her fi rst year are now working professionals, many of whom earned or are working on master’s or About one year as a group coun- doctoral degrees. “To me there is no greater fulfi llment. The person who told me selor at Fresno County Juvenile Hall about FPU blessed me, and I’ve blessed others and hope they bless others.” and as an intern with Fresno County Probation Offi ce (began as student). Dave: “Because I believe in the mission of Fresno Pacifi c University. I believe in Two years as a vocational counselor serving God by serving students and faculty. It’s such a contrast to working in the at Central Labor Council, becoming manager of the Sanger Offi ce. One fi nance company, where there was no mission, no vision—it was just about getting year at a Pacifi Care in Bakersfi eld the money.” Information services and the registrar can be high-stress areas for both helping senior citizens obtain health those who serve and those who are served. “I think that resolution is still done in care. Returned in 1993 as college a biblical manner. The fact you would even talk about confl ict resolution shows admissions counselor. people are thinking biblically, rather than just fi ring someone or dealing with issues out of hand.” 8 | PACIFIC | Mark 40’s Kevin Enns-Rempel, archivist, B.A. B.A. ‘93 Joel Wiebe, faculty emeritus ‘82 Paula Seminario, fi nancial aid Yoder PBI ‘49 Gary Estes, controller, B.A. ‘85 counselor, B.A. ‘95 50’s Ken Friesen, political science Cary Templeton, assistant dean of Fresno Pacifi c College Olive Hiebert, staff emerita, PBI ‘52 faculty, B.A. ‘84 enrollment services, M.A. ‘92 Adonijah Pauls, librarian emeritus, Judith Hillen, faculty emerita, M.A. Efrain Tovar, college admissions B.A. (physical education) 1983 PBI ‘59 ‘84 counselor, B.A. ‘95 60’s Rene Lebsock, education intern Roberta Wells, teacher education Ron Claassen, Center for Peace- supervisor, B.A. ‘84/M.A. ‘93 faculty, M.A. ‘90 making and Confl ict Studies Bobbi Mason, education/reading Diane Wiese, physical education (CPACS) director, B.A. ‘67 faculty, M.A. ‘86 faculty, B.A. ‘90/M.A. ‘96 Ruth Heinrichs, business faculty, John Navarro, outreach ministries Denette Zaninovich, student B.A. ‘66 director, M.A. ‘83 teacher placement coordinator, Luetta Reimer, faculty emerita, Tim Neufeld, biblical and religious B.A. ‘90/M.A. ‘98 B.A. ‘66 studies faculty, B.A. ‘85 Adam Gerbrandt, theater techni- Edith Thiessen, graduate admission Grace Peters, college admissions cian director, A.A. ‘63/B.A. ‘92 offi ce manager, A.A. ‘88/B.A.’92 Jeanne Janzen, teacher education Richard Unruh, political science Jaime Ramirez, physical education faculty faculty, B.A. ‘67 faculty, B.A. ‘82 Jeff Jones, college admissions Kenneth Heinrichs, website Richard Rawls, history/philosophy information specialist coordinator faculty, B.A. ‘87 00’s Roy Klassen, music faculty Karen Wright, chief accountant, Vickie Bigler, mathematics Three years as an assistant basket- Karen Wall, assistant controller B.A. ‘86 education faculty, M.A. ‘00 ball coach while substitute teach- 70’s Mark Yoder, physical education Craig Brady, computer lab man- ing and teaching developmentally Anita Andresen, faculty emerita, faculty, B.A. ‘83 ager, B.A. ‘02 M.A. ‘79 Dave Youngs, mathematics Charity Brown, CDC lead delayed two-year-olds at United Doug Bartsch, teacher education education faculty, M.A. ‘88 admissions adviser, B.A. ‘01 Cerebral Palsy of Central Califor- faculty, B.A. ‘76/M.A. ‘82 Jean Fennacy, reading/education Wendy Cano, facilities operations nia. One year as assistant coach at Steve Brandt, library services faculty coordinator, B.A. ‘00 John Wright, Datatel system Millie Coccia, customer services Sanger High School. Seven years director, B.A. ‘71 Pat Ediger, college admissions manager technician, B.A. ‘02 as head coach at Hesston (Kansas) secretary, B.A. ‘70 90’s Anita Cockrum, advancement College. Five years as head coach at Ken Isaak, sports information Amber Blodgett, interim fi nancial services coordinator, B.A. ‘01 Bethel College. Returned in 1998 as director, B.A. ‘76 aid director, B.A. ‘98 Sarah Daher, graduate grant Rod Janzen, teacher education/ Chris Brown, library computer assistant, B.A. ‘02 head men’s basketball coach. history faculty, B.A. ‘75 services, B.A. ‘96 Donna Friedenberg, OASIS program Esther Klassen-Isaak, counseling Chris Brownell, mathematics director, B.A. ‘01 director, B.A. ‘77 faculty, M.A. ‘98 Kristen Gilster, assistant to the Ron Koop, mathematics/computer Suzana Dobric,´ associate college registrar, B.A. ‘02 education faculty, B.A. ‘76/M.A. admissions director, B.A. ‘99/ Carlos Gutierrez, fi nancial services ‘87 M.A. ‘02 counselor, B.A. ‘00 Bev Kopper, advancement services Sarah Friesen, college admissions Matt Jacobs, facilities maintenance director, B.A. ‘71 counselor, B.A. ‘97 technician, B.A. ‘00 Doreen Ewert Myovich, intensive Dina Gonzalez, college admissions Evie Lowry, SPS marketing English language program, director, B.A. ‘90/M.A. ‘98 specialist, B.A. ‘02 B.A. ‘78 Carol Gossett, independent studies Sandra Mercuri, EXCELL Arnie Prieb, international programs director, M.A. ‘91 coordinator, M.A. ‘00 and services director, B.A. ‘74 Linda Hoff, teacher education Karin Olson, accounts receivable Peter Wasemiller, grants and director, M.A. ‘94 coordinator, B.A. ‘00 research director, B.A. ‘78 Justin Kliewer, facilities mainte- Teri Piper, residence life intern, Billie Jean Wiebe, communication/ nance technician, B.A. ‘97 B.A. ‘01 English/drama faculty, B.A. ‘74 Sue Kliewer, human resources Jill Schellenberg, CPACS Richard Wiebe, philosophy/history director, B.A. ‘91/M.A. ‘98 administrative and marketing faculty, B.A. ‘74 Kristi Knevelbaard, reading faculty, assistant, B.A. ‘01 Judy Cockerham, music secretary B.A. ‘90/M.A. ‘01 David Tsvirinko, CDC fi nancial aid Peggi Kriegbaum, School of Suzanne Kobzeff, communication/ counselor, B.A. ‘01 Professional Studies (SPS) English/drama faculty, B.A. ‘96 Debbie Williams, CDC admissions operations director Dawn Leppke, accounts receivable adviser, B.A. ‘01 Mike Miles, athletic facilities coordinator, B.A. ‘93 Jim Harris, asset prepartion and manager Roslyn Moes, international sales Alden Poetker, Multimedia Arts counselor, B.A. ‘97 Center producer/educator Tara Neufeld, assistant registrar, Names without degree designa- Shirley Warkentin, Center for B.A. ‘99 tions (A.A, B.A., M.A.) and dates Degree Completion (CDC) Mark Patton, property services indicate alumni who did not operations manager manager, B.A. ‘93 /M.A. ‘98 complete a degree at FPU. 80’s Julia Reimer, communication/ Terry Bese, educational technology English/drama faculty, B.A. ‘90 Did we forget someone? faculty, B.A. ‘86/M.A. ‘98 Dave Richert, assistant registrar, Please let us know of anyone we Greg Camp, biblical and religious B.A. ‘90 missed. Contact Wayne Steffen, studies faculty, B.A. ‘82 Anne Marie Rosenfeld, assistant to Pacifi c editor, at 1717 S. Chestnut Larry Dunn, CPACS academic the registrar, B.A. ‘98 Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93702 or at programs director, B.A. ‘82 Isolina Sands, Spanish faculty, [email protected]. GETTING BETTERface AQUAINTED WITHto FPU faceSTUDENTS, FACULTY & STAFF

Warrior to peacemaker: one lawyer’s journey

by Douglas E. Noll

ix years ago, I was white- passive or weak, they released within Today, I have a thriving profes- water rafting with a group me forces that made me immensely sional peacemaking practice. My work of friends in the River more powerful as a martial artist. is in complex business disputes, where of No Return wilderness Finally I, like many of my profes- relationships are at issue and where in Central Idaho when sional colleagues, was fed up with the litigation is often not a good option. I asked myself a simple contentiousness and hostility engen- I am fortunate to work in the highest question: “How many people had I dered by the legal system. The battle levels of corporate America where I can Sactually helped as a trial lawyer? How metaphor had lost its glow of excite- demonstrate the power of peacemaking many clients came out of the litigation ment for me. By happenstance, I heard to decision-makers. More importantly, process better off than when they went about a new program at Fresno Pacifi c I have helped far more people resolve in?” University called the master’s degree their confl icts peacefully in the past 18 I pondered that all week as I fl oated in peacemaking and confl ict studies. I months, than I had helped as a trial through the beautiful Salmon River will never forget going to an orienta- lawyer in the previous 22 years. canyons and muscled my way through tion and watching professor Duane its big rapids. At the end, having tried Ruth-Heffelbower’s expression when I Douglas E. Noll is admitted to prac- dozens of complex jury trials, bench walked in. It was as if Satan himself had tice law in as well as before the trials, arbitrations and administra- walked through the doors! Duane and United States Supreme Court and various tive hearings and having represented I had known each other professionally federal appellate and district courts. He hundreds of clients over a 20-plus year for many years and he was well aware lives with his wife, Jan, near Clovis. He career as a very aggressive trail lawyer, of my reputation. I suppose it shows earned a master’s degree in peacemaking I could only name fi ve people. What a that even hard-core trail lawyers can be and confl ict studies in 2001 and received sad commentary on what most would redeemed from their roles as warriors. the Graduate Dean’s Award. consider a highly successful career in After the second day of the Basic law. Institute in Confl ict Management and This article originally appeared in At the same time as this refl ection, Mediation (offered twice each year to the fall 2001 issue of MCS Concili- I was turning from kung fu—in which the general public), I was hooked. I ation Quarterly, Vol. 20, No. 4. The I had a second-degree black belt—to went back to my fi rm, in which I was publication is a service of Mennonite tai chi. Tai chi was challenging me with a senior partner, and told my partners Conciliation Service, part of Mennonite two paradoxes: “The softer you are, the I was changing my business card from Central Committee. For more informa- stronger you are”; and “The more vul- “Attorney at Law” to “Peacemaker.” tion about either organization, telephone nerable you are, the more powerful you Needless to say, this caused great con- 717-859-3889 or go to the Internet are.” How could this be? Slowly, as I sternation and ultimately led to my at www.mcc.org/us/peaceandjustice/ trained and plumbed this ancient mar- separation from the fi rm after 22 years. mcs.html. tial art, I began to experience the para- The experience was truly liberating for doxes and understand them. Far from me.

10 | PACIFIC | face to face around the greenFRESNO PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

State grants help students Enrollment continues to increase serve community in size, ability and diversity This year more students are spreading Another large, academically strong and ethnically diverse freshman class is the university mission of service while driving enrollment growth. defraying the cost of college. Total university enrollment was set at 2,049 after about two weeks of During the 2002-2003 school year classes. Enrollment for Fresno Pacifi c College, the traditional undergraduate FPU will receive $300,000 in state program, was 936, up from 905 at the same time in 2001. Graduate enrollment work-study funds, double the amount was 858, and 255 students were registered in the Center for Degree Comple- for 2001-2002. Federal funds also tion (CDC). doubled to $180,000. Matching contri- “The incoming freshman class continues a well-established pattern of butions of $160,000 from community excellence set by previous classes,” said Cary Templeton, associate dean of agencies bring the total work-study enrollment services. budget to $640,000. College and graduate school fi gures are based on the 16-day census, which The university succeeded in getting is considered offi cial for the college but a “snapshot” for the graduate school the grants because here work-study and CDC, which have different academic schedules. CDC fi gures come from means more than stocking shelves in the center. Enrollment at this time in 2001 was 905 in the college, 868 in the the bookstore. About 140 of the 375 graduate school and 165 in the CDC for a total of 1,938. work-study students are involved in a Not only is the incoming freshman class the largest in school history for the variety of university sponsored outreach fi fth year in a row, the average student grade-point average is 3.57, higher programs. These ministries include than the fi ve-year average of 3.55. “Freshmen continue to distinguish them- non-profi t organizations, elementary selves academically,” Templeton said. schools, tutoring centers, neighborhood These students also represent a rich mix of ethnic backgrounds and church youth clubs, sports programs and the affi liations. “Almost 30 percent of our incoming class are students of color,” university social work department. Templeton said. “Another 5 percent are the sons and daughters of recent This desire to serve was what the immigrants from the former Soviet Union who now live in the Western United state was looking for. In 2000 Califor- States.” nia sought schools to apply for a work- More than 30 denominations are represented in the class. “We will learn study program aimed at placing college from each other how Christ has worked and is working among us,” Templeton students in community agencies. John said. Navarro, university director of outreach Adding to the energy on campus is FPU’s listing in U.S. News & World ministries, and Bernie Ogden, then Report’s 2002-2003 college guide. In addition to the overall rating on the director of fi nancial aid, entered a pro- second tier of western universities—master’s category, the university also posal and FPU was one of a handful appears on the magazine’s diversity list, a new feature this year. of private colleges to qualify. “This is a U.S. News also notes strong graduation and student retention rates. “If you big program for a school our size,” said look at the numbers that are reported for student success, we measure up with Navarro. many universities in the fi rst tier,” said Stephen Varvis, dean of the college.

WATERGATE FIGURE SPEAKS—A man who lost his moral bearings in the storm of Watergate and rediscovered them in the service of God told of his voyage on a visit to FPU. Jeb Stuart Magruder was the featured speaker at the 2002 Business Forum Breakfast September 26. Nearly 150 business and community leaders, along with university business faculty and students, packed Ashley Auditorium for the fi fth-annual forum. Magruder was campaign director for the committee to re-elect President Richard Nixon and served seven months in prison for his part in covering up the Watergate break-in. An ordained Presbyterian minister since 1981, today he is director of development for The Colorado Springs School, a private K-12 academy. What links WorldCom and Watergate is the kind of people involved. Based on their education, appearance and upbringing, today’s CEOs could be the political offi cials of the Watergate era, or any other administration, according to Magruder. “What happened to me could happen to a lot of people,” he said. People are at risk for power, pride and anxiety because they look too much for happiness in this life. “If we spend our time thinking about our relationship with God in the spirit world, we will have more of a different kind of happiness than the riches of this world,” he said.

| PACIFIC | 11 around the greenFRESNO PACIFIC UNIVERSITY Rempel’s task to organize technology resourses

A new position reflects a new priority versities introduce one solution for a “I am truly on information technology. problem here and another for a prob- excited to be On January 22 Norm Rempel lem over there.” doing this.” was appointed vice president, chief FPU needs to integrate its infor- Continuing information officer and registrar. The mation systems, create a coordinated as registrar, cabinet-level position reports to the strategy and increase investment in a position he president and is charged with reor- order to fill gaps in the present ser- has held since ganizing and coordinating computer vice and prepare for demands of the coming to the systems across campus. “Now we future, Ewert said. Rempel was an campus in 1988, NORM REMPEL can bring together our efforts in this early advocate of information tech- Rempel will critical area to better serve students, nology and a leader in campus data delegate many day-to-day duties to faculty and staff,” said President D. system management. “No one knows his staff. There are currently no plans Merrill Ewert. “Information is what the university or understands our data to hire additional employees. universities are about.” needs better than Norm. In addition, Rempel earned bachelor’s degrees “One of the biggest challenges he is committed to FPU and has the from Grace College of the Bible and facing universities today is to develop respect of faculty and staff,” Ewert Wichita State University, master’s and maintain an up-to-date infor- said. degrees from Trinity Evangelical mation technology system,” Ewert Coordination will be the essence Divinity School and the University of said. “This is a problem for the major of Rempel’s role. “We have the Nebraska-Omaha and a doctorate research universities as well as for resources. My job will be to bring from the University of Nebraska-Lin- the small private schools such as FPU. together those resources and point coln. What frequently happens is that uni- them in the right direction,” he said.

John Ward brings experience, understanding to role as vice president

A seasoned professional with a range a valuable perspective that will serve and maintain of experience and an understanding the university well.” a good faculty- of the academic mission is the new Ward sees his role as a member student ratio.” vice president for business affairs. of a team committed to helping FPU Prior to John Ward began January 1, 2003. realize its potential in ways consis- coming to FPU, He will work with the president and tent with its core values and mission. Ward was chief others to set financial goals and have “I believe my financial background, financial officer day-to-day responsibility for the uni- executive-level management experi- for Elenbaas versity’s budget of over $20 million. ence, collaborative work style, record Company, Inc., JOHN WARD He will also oversee several depart- of community involvement and com- Sumas, Wash- ments, including business, human mitment to the Fresno area have ington. He has also been general resources, auxiliary services and facili- prepared me to successfully meet this manager for the McClatchy Company, ties management. challenge,” he said. where he worked for the Fresno Bee Ward joined FPU in 2002 as direc- The first priority is to carry on and Modesto Bee newspapers. He tor of accounts for the school of pro- Perryman’s record of sound fiscal man- also served with Knight-Ridder News- fessional studies. In his new post he agement. “A lot of good things have papers, Inc., in Fort Wayne, Indiana; replaces Larry Perryman, who chose to been happening lately and I want to San Jose, California; and Lexington, return to a faculty position after three continue that in the years ahead,” Kentucky. years as vice president. Ward said. Among Ward’s community service “John is the perfect mix of ‘inside’ Financial strength serves students assignments were membership on the and ‘outside’ candidate,” said Presi- and faculty. “The more secure we are boards of directors of the Fresno and dent D. Merrill Ewert. “His previous financially, the more we can invest in Modesto chambers of commerce and varied leadership roles give him a the academic product. In the long run the Modesto United Way and YMCA. broad understanding of the applica- that’s what will advance the univer- He earned his bachelor’s degree from tion of financial principles, and his sity,” Ward said. “FPU is only as good Drexel University, Philadelphia, and is time in the school of professional as its faculty and academics. Our abil- a CPA. studies gives him insight into how ity to grow will be dependent on our we work. This combination provides ability to attract students and faculty

12 | PACIFIC | ON-LINE APPLICATION ENHANCES INTERNET ADMISSION EFFORTS

Acceptance to FPU can be as areas feature secure technology. They receive an e-mail confi rmation close as the click of a mouse. Tovar is quick to note that of the transaction. adding on-line access will not Graduate students are asked Applications for the undergradu- reduce paper publications, face-to- to pay by check, money order or ate, graduate, professional devel- face events and other admission credit card. “Then we process it like opment and language and culture activities to reach those without a regular application,” said Vivian studies are now on the university Internet access. “We are aware of Galba, graduate admissions special- Web site. “All prospective students the digital divide,” he said. “Espe- ist. Letters are sent out if additional can apply and inquire on-line,” said cially here in the Central Valley application information is needed, Efrain Tovar, electronic admission where most of our students come all materials are forwarded to the counselor for the college and man- from.” All materials are available by admissions committee and Galba ager of the new system. calling 1-800-660-6089 or writing to sends letters of acceptance. There is also an academic guide College Admissions offi ce, Fresno At the Center for Degree Com- with information on areas of study Pacifi c University, 1717 S. Chestnut pletion staff members use infor- throughout the university. “Pro- Avenue, Fresno, 93702. mation from forms to follow up spective students and alumni can Those who apply on-line begin personally with students. The center fi nd out more on the programs with a common application form, is working to add materials spe- we offer,” Tovar said. Profi les of which they can fi ll out at their own cifi c to its program to the center’s faculty and staff are being added, pace. “The nice thing is that the Web site. “We’re excited about the and information will be accessible application is broken down into change,” said Charity Brown, admis- through a search feature on the sections. That allows users to take sions adviser. main page. a break,” Tovar said. Prospective The college is using the Web to The forms and guide are avail- students use their e-mail addresses do more than wait for prospective able through “buttons” on the as an identifi cation and choose a students to come to its site. The main Web site at www.fresno.edu. password. staff launched an e-mail to several Prospective students may also Educators and other working thousand prospective students. The go directly to the applications professionals registering for con- new system puts FPU at the fore- at www.fresno.edu/apply, the tinuing education through the front among similar schools. “We inquiry form at www.fresno.edu/ Center for Professional Develop- are ahead of the game,” Tovar said. inquire and the academic guide at ment may submit a credit card www.fresno.edu/academicguide. All number to pay for their courses.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE CONFERENCE—About 75 people attended events related to the Ninth Annual Restorative Justice Conference October 25-26, organized by the Center for Peace and Confl ict Studies (CPACS). The conference took place at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Semi- nary. A new activity this year was a public showing of an award-winning fi lm on the work of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission under the leadership of Archbishop Desmond Tutu titled Long Night’s Journey into Day—South Africa’s Search for Truth and Reconciliation. At right, a panel discusses a cooperative program between Caruthers Elementary School and the Fresno County Probation Department that focuses on prevention. Left to right: David Vecchio and Sengthiene Bosavanh, FPU and CPACS staff members who work in the program; Dwight Miller, superintendent of Caruthers Unifi ed School District; Diane Garrigus, principal at Caruthers Elementary School; and Anthony Dixon of the probation department.

| PACIFIC | 13 buildingFPU FOUNDATION & UNIVERSITYour ADVANCEMENT future AIMS Hall opens new era of mathematics, science education

ith a 41-foot pen- Advancing this integration is dulum counting to the mission of AIMS, one of only the future, a new era two existing major projects of its in mathematics and kind in the United States and Great Wscience officially came to FPU. Britain. AIMS was created by Wiebe More than 200 students, faculty, and the late Larry Ecklund in 1981 staff, guests and news media packed as an outgrowth of the FPU math/ the lobby and second-floor balcony science program. Incorporated as an of AIMS Hall of Mathematics and independent entity in 1986, AIMS Science for dedication ceremonies retains strong ties to the university. October 11. The two-story, 20,097 The foundation’s commitment to square-foot building opened in the building is part of a five-year, August and includes laboratories $10 million investment in FPU, for biology, physics, chemistry and including student scholarships and research as well as classrooms, a endowed faculty chairs. library and faculty offices. AIMS Hall embodies the essence Those gathered surrounded the of AIMS as the design intentionally physical and philosophical heart of brings together people as well as dis- the facility: a Foucault Pendulum, ciplines. Offices, for example, are in one of only four in California and one area of the building so faculty the lone example in the San Joaquin and students can easily get together. Valley. A 235-pound polished brass “As students enter AIMS Hall ball swings from the second-story laboratories, they come face to face ceiling to just above the foyer floor This Foucault Pendulum is the heart of AIMS Hall. with God’s majestic, complex and and knocks down a circle of pegs, intricate creation as they dissect a proving the rotation of the earth, specimen, calculate the exponential- demonstrating the tie between like reproductive rate of paramecia mathematics and science and sym- or observe a predictable chemical bolizing the integration of knowl- reaction. May no student ever pass edge and spirit. through these halls without perceiv- “The pendulum is a harmoni- ing the silent messages that issue ous integration of interrelationship from God’s handiwork,” Wiebe said. of mathematics and science,” said Kaylene Chlopek, a junior major- Arthur Wiebe, former FPU presi- ing in natural science and pre-health, dent and co-founder of the Activi- spoke for students. “AIMS Hall is ties Integrating Mathematics and L TO R: PETER KLASSEN, SAL QUINTERO, ARTHUR WIEBE, RICH- one more way to create a space for ARD THIESSEN AND D. MERRILL EWERT Science (AIMS) Education Founda- math and science students in the tion, which provided the lead gift FPU community.” for the $9 million project. D. Merrill Ewert, FPU president, thanked everyone— “As in the pendulum, all of God’s creation speaks of the including faculty and staff, alumni, foundations and compa- interrelatedness of science and mathematics,” Wiebe said. “As nies—whose donations made the building possible. “Gifts like knowledge increases, the known linkages among scientific these are more than money,” he said. “You have given hope, a disciplines and concepts multiply. It is conceivable that in the vision and a chance to dream.” end, all of science and mathematics may well be interrelated and integrated parts of a single whole.”

14 | PACIFIC | Accounting scholarship benefits WIEBE TWICE HONORED AS BENEFACTOR Arthur Wiebe, former university and community FPU president, received two honors recently. “We wanted to do something with FPU to encourage Fresno Compact, an association of edu- cational, civic and accounting students to pursue their ultimate goal, business leaders, announced Wiebe the and hopefully join one of the local CPA fi rms.” winner of the Harold Haak Award for Educational Excellence. The award was uilding the Central Valley accounting community and expanding oppor- created in 2002 and named for Harold tunities for FPU accounting students are the goals of a new scholarship. Haak, FPU president from 2000-02, who The California Society of Certifi ed Public Accountants (CalCPA) was also its fi rst recipient. Fresno Chapter Endowed Scholarship was established to provide fi nancial In November Wiebe received the Baid to students who wish to pursue an accounting career. Chapter members pro- Distinguished Achievement Special vided initial funding for the endowment. Award from the Association of Fundrais- “We wanted to do something with FPU to encourage accounting students to ing Professionals (AFP) California Valley Chapter. The AFP is an international pursue their ultimate goal, and hopefully join one of the local CPA fi rms,” said organization dedicated to enabling Tony Mastro, president of CalCPA’s Fresno chapter. “We think FPU has a good people and organizations to practice program, and our scholarship funds will be used to provide a quality education.” effective and ethical fundraising. Mastro is a partner in the Fresno CPA fi rm Mastro Associates. Wiebe was honored for his many “With this scholarship we will be better able to recruit and retain students who contributions to FPU and the Fresno can benefi t from attending FPU but who might not otherwise be able to do so. This community. President of the university will help us add depth to our entire business program, which is already the second from 1960-75, he and the late Larry largest in the undergraduate college,” said Janita Rawls, chair of the business depart- Ecklund co-founded AIMS Education ment. Foundation, which creates mathematics One scholarship will be presented each year, beginning in 2004-2005. Preference and science curriculum for students and will be given to applicants who major in accounting, demonstrate fi nancial need, teachers. have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 and show commitment to the moral He was also involved in the creation of San Joaquin College of Law, serving and ethical standards of FPU and the accounting profession. on its board for 20 years. More recently Winners will be selected by the university business department and the Fresno Wiebe was instrumental in forming the chapter of CalCPA. The endowment is held and managed by the Fresno Pacifi c Southeast Fresno Community Develop- University Foundation and scholarships will be administered by the FPU Financial ment Corporation. The group brings Aid Offi ce. together FPU, AIMS Foundation, Butler CalCPA is one of the nation’s largest accounting organizations and the largest Mennonite Brethren Church, Men- CPA association in California, serving 27,000 members in public practice, private nonite Brethren Biblical Seminary and industry, education and government. The Fresno chapter has approximately 850 Mennonite Brethren Missions Services members in Fresno, Inyo, Kings, Madera and Mariposa counties. For more informa- International to improve lives in their tion check the Internet at www.calcpa.org. surrounding neighborhoods.

ALUMNI PHONATHON—From October 1 to November 14 student callers chatted with 3,671 alumni, letting them know what’s happen- ing at the university and encouraging them to support the university mission. Surpassing the $45,000 goal, students raised $46,568. Laurel Oswald raised the most, while Randi Streib brought in the most new donors. Jenni Bailey and Amanda Childers served as student supervi- sors. Pictured are student callers (front row, from left) Nicole Hug- gins, Laurel Oswald, Debbie Ruiter, Kristen Albright, Sarah Gutierrez, Ashley Bergman and Jenni Bailey; (back row, from left) Doug Summi, Liz Whitley, Erin Williams, Zachary Schroeder, Heather Haury, Randi Streib, Jordan Ringhofer, Cassy Ortiz and Amanda Childers. Not pic- tured are Evan Bunderle, Donnie Roberts and Christina Maule.

| PACIFIC | 15 IN TOUCH WITH ALUMNI

PAKISA TSHIMIKA | CONGO | B.A. 1978

Pakisa Tshimika works to build worldwide connections

“When you’re personally involved, you change as well as help others change.”

When Pakisa Tshimika talks about his churches together throughout the The program boils down to what work, he sounds like a builder or a world,” he said. Of the more than 1.2 Paul called “spiritual gifts.” All abili- communications technician, speaking million people who belong to Menno- ties and knowledge are gifts, and God of spaces, places and platforms. nite, Mennonite Brethren or Brethren intends all gifts to be shared. “There is Maybe he is—or maybe he’s a in Christ churches, at least 55 percent no order,” Tshimika said. “A professor’s family therapist. are African, Asian or Latin American. knowledge of the Bible, that is a gift Tshimika splits his time between MWC represents 87 national churches from God. A woman who knows how Mennonite World Conference (MWC) from 48 countries on five continents. to can food, that’s a gift from God.” and Mennonite Brethren Mission and “In the past few years the Poverty and riches can get in the Service International. At MWC he churches—especially in Africa and way of sharing. Most Mennonite and serves as one of two associate executive Asia—are saying MWC is a place where related churches are poor, and where secretaries. “I work for what we call we can, as equals, sit together as a members come from can make it hard networks and projects,” he said. family,” he said. “Families get together to hear when the far-flung family sits Though Tshimika has lived in more than every six or seven years.” down to talk. “What does it means to Fresno with his wife and three chil- Building ways to help relatives in partner in anything when the mighty dren since 1999, he still dresses for his faith see more of each other is Tshimi- dollar speaks so loud?” Tshimika asked. native Congo in colorful dyed shirts ka’s task. “The idea is really to provide Sharing gifts means more than with embroidery on the open collar space where churches can do things sending money. Community, people and sleeves that fall to the middle of his together,” he said. and relationships go together. “It was forearms. In conversation he is friendly The key to an effective family is not until I left FPU that those words and open—quick to smile and laugh, identifying the contributions each kept haunting me,” Tshimika said. Jesus but just as quick to turn serious. member can make. “What are the gifts showed compassion and built commu- One thing Tshimika is serious about and resources God has given to the nity by getting involved. “When you’re is making people understand that churches?” he asked. personally involved, you change as well MWC is more than just a meeting. Best As part of the Global Gift Sharing as help others change,” he said. known for its worldwide conference, program, Tshimika has met with most the next one of which is scheduled MWC churches in Africa to discuss LEARN MORE: for August 11-17 in Zimbabwe, the biblical and cultural definitions of gifts www.mwc-cmm.org OR www.mb organization has a wider reach. “MWC and gift sharing. Local facilitators con- msinternational.org is really a platform that brings all the tinue the work, and the effort is spread- Mennonite and Brethren in Christ ing to Europe and North America.

16 | PACIFIC | 1717

DEREK THOMASON | FRESNO | B.A. 1990

EDUCATION worked both ways for Derek Thomason and FPU

working full time and going to school space even the cheerful Thomason full time,” he said. Thomason com- called “cramped.” peted his bachelor of arts in biblical and Duties include counseling people religious studies in 1990. who have been victims of crimes, lost a Further study was a goal, but other loved one or been involved in domestic responsibilities intruded. The couple’s and neighborhood disturbances as well A man in uniform stands before the first child, Hannah, was born the as the officers themselves. There are also class, talking to his fellow students. March before commencement. (Mat- weddings, funerals and hospital visits. “How many of you believe I am a thew and Abigail followed in 1991 and Chaplains can diffuse tension police officer?” All hands rise. 1996, respectively.) Not surprisingly, between police and public, helping resi- “How many of you believe I am a Thomason promised Elizabeth he’d dents understand how police work and Christian?” Some hands go up, some take a year off before attending semi- translating the citizens’ concerns to the stay deskbound. nary. department. “It is sometimes a fine line “How many of you believe I can be Still assigned to patrol, Thomason that we walk, when we try to be help- a Christian and a police officer?” One began attending Mennonite Brethren ful but not get in the way,” Thomason person raises a hand and says, “No.” Biblical Seminary part time in 1992. said. As the first police officer to go Then in February of 1994 peptic ulcer Guiding people through grief is a though the traditional undergraduate disease forced him off the force. “It was regular part of the job. “It’s the worst program, Derek Thomason was going a traumatic experience being retired out time to make decisions, but many to teach as well as learn. at 38,” he said. An upside appeared, decisions are thrust upon people,” he More than a decade after that class however. “We found I could then go to said. Such times are also opportunities. presentation, Thomason laughs at the school through vocational rehabilita- “People we see are at an all-time low memory. “Those three years were a tion,” he said. and at those times they are often open process for me as well as the folks on The family moved to South Caro- to the things of God,” he added. campus,” he said. Coming to FPU he lina and Thomason earned a master’s of Chaplains also enjoy a high stand- “expected buggies and bonnets, but I divinity at Columbia Biblical Seminary ing with officers. Volunteers ride with met contemporary, evangelical people.” in May of 1997. He planned to go into police at least monthly. “It helps tre- He credits the person who answered missions, but said “the Lord threw me a mendously that I was an officer,” he “no” to his final question as having the curve.” During a visit to Fresno in June said. courage to say what others perhaps kept he saw an advertisement in The Fresno In retrospect Thomason’s life seems private. Bee for a full-time police chaplain. “I logical. “I couldn’t have planned it and On that day in 1987 Thomason was was such a good fit,” he said. Thoma- put together the pieces of this puzzle. It a patrol officer. Today he directs the son began work in August. looked like somebody had a plan,” he Fresno police chaplain program. “It’s Thomason directs more than 30 said. been an amazing adventure,” he said. volunteer chaplains from an office in FPU helped Thomason be open The adventure began when, already the basement of the to this higher direction. Thomason an officer, Thomason became a Chris- Annex. Though the mix of comfortable recalled advice from faculty Devon tian in 1985. “When I got saved the dark wood furniture, paint, plaques, Wiens: “Devon said, ‘Maybe it’s not Lord gave me a hunger to study His plants and personal items can’t com- so much what you do as who you word.” He married one year later and pletely cover for the cinderblock walls become.’” wife Elizabeth became an FPU staff and lack of windows, he is grateful to member. “Before you know it I was be out of his old digs: a smaller, shared

| PACIFIC | 17 IN TOUCH WITH ALUMNI

Xe Susane Moua (BA ‘93) announces the GENERAL NEWS birth of Maximillian Chayeng Vue. Moua FRESNO PACIFIC COLLEGE Steve Hofer (BA ‘73) was Teacher of the resigned from teaching to start a new CLASSES OF 1985–1990 Year for Kingsburg Joint Union School career in fi nancial services, working with District and a fi nalist in the Fresno County Citigroup. REUNION nominations for California Teacher of the Lisa (Childress ‘94) Becker and her hus- Friday, April 4, 2003 Year. band, Jeff, announce the birth of Brook- 6:00 p.m. Gregory Sommers (BA ‘89) graduated ing Elianna on May 26, 2002. Brooking FPU Campus from Ohio State University with his doctor- weighed 7 pounds and 10 ounces and was Child care will be available. ate in accounting on August 13, 2002. He 22 inches long. teaches at Southern Methodist University. Mark (BA ‘95) and Jennifer (Gomes BA Call Debbie (McDonald) Elrich David Leppke (BA ‘91) and his wife, Laura, ‘95) Enns announce the birth of their fi rst at 661-387-9620 for more infor- have been married for 11 years. The Lep- child, Dylan Jacob, on August 14, 2002. mation or to assist in planning pkes have three boys, Aaron, 5; Andrew, 3; the event. For hotel informa- Krista (Thiesen, BA ‘97) Ramirez and hus- and Alex, 1. David teaches fi fth grade and tion, call 800-445-2428 or 800- band, Steve, announce the birth of Claire Laura teaches fi rst grade in the Panama- 468-3522 and ask for the FPU Noelle on February 19, 2002. Claire joins Buena Vista School District in Bakersfi eld discount rate. big sister Emilie Marie, who was born on where they live. February 10, 2000. Krista enjoys working Susan (Rodriguez MA ‘91) Ortega was part time and staying home with her two CHOIR ALUMNI REUNION inducted into the College of Sequoias Hall girls. of Fame on October 4, 2002. Saturday, April 5, 2003 Michael (BA ‘99) and Sarah (Watters 10:30 a.m. Melissa (Whaley, BA ’95) Carpenter is an BA ‘98) Johnson announce the birth of AIMS Hall foyer offi ce manager at First Mennonite church Isaac Christopher Johnson on September of Phoenix. Melissa keeps active in church 14, 2002. Isaac weighed 7 pounds and 11 Information on a choir alumni and with her son Alan-Michael, 3. ounces and was 21 inches long. The John- trip to Europe in 2004 Kimi Akina (BA ‘99) recently moved to Chi- sons are preparing to go to Papua New cago to serve as resident director at Moody Guinea in June for a two-year term with Noon performance at MCC Sale Wycliffe Bible Translators. Sarah is fi nishing Bible Institute. To learn more, contact graduate studies at the Center for Peace- Patty Brown (BA ‘97, MA ‘00) is in her Nicole Linder at 559-453-2058 or making and Confl ict Studies and Michael is sixth year with Fresno Unifi ed School Dis- [email protected]. teaching history at Lemoore High School. trict, where she is a lead math teacher.

Andrew Geddert (BA ‘02) began a three- DEATHS year Mennonite Central Committee assignment in Ukraine as a social worker/ Sue Sippel (BA ‘77) died in September of 2002. psychologist at a children’s shelter. Ken Engstrom, associate dean of Fresno Pacifi c Graduate School, Nathan Penner (BA ‘02) is on a three-year died in his sleep early in the morning of September 24, 2002, in term with Mennonite Central Commit- Uppsala, Sweden. He had been hospitalized after suffering a stroke tee and African Inter-Mennonite Mis- during a vacation. He was 66. Engstrom came to FPU in 1983 and sion as information program assistant in directed the administrative services program. Prior to that he served Botswana. Fresno Unifi ed School District for 25 years in many positions, includ- ing elementary school principal, director of several teacher training MARRIAGES programs and classroom teacher. Among his memberships were the John (MA ‘99) and Emily (Bowie MA ‘00) state higher education/professional preparation committee, California School Leadership Berg married on July 6, 2002. Emily teaches Academy Board of Directors and president of the Fresno Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. He part time at West Hills Community College earned an associate degree from Reedley College, a bachelor’s degree and credential from and at University High School. California State University, Fresno; and an Ed.D. from the University of Southern Califor- BIRTHS nia. “He enjoyed his e-mail’s from all of you so much, they were taped on the walls of his hospital room,” his wife, Nancy, wrote to FPU faculty and staff. “So many of you called and Rosalie (Elrich, BA ‘89) Fuentes and her sent him cards and packages. Thank you. He was fully cognizant, with all his faculties until husband, Bryon, announce the birth of the end, giving me directions about what to tell people at work, making jokes [and] tell- their fi rst child, Heather Kiara, on June 29, ing me about his adventures in Uppsala…,” Nancy wrote. “He fought to recover until the 2002. Rosalie teaches eighth grade reading end and I am so proud of him.” Memorial services were October 12 in Kingsburg Commu- and English in Bakersfi eld. nity Church. Burial was October 14 in Kingsburg Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, one son, four grandchildren and two brothers.

18 | PACIFIC | 1717

HOMECOMING ATTRACTS ALL AGES—Activities for everyone were available at Homecoming October 11-12. (Below left) members of the Class of 1952 shared memories and renewed friendships at a reunion Saturday in Alumni Hall. (Left) the new McDonald Hall fountain became an impromptu art gallery for young talent as part of the children’s carnival. Other activities included the annual Candlelight Concert, an alumni prayer breakfast and alumni/student con- tests in men’s and women’s fl ag football and basketball.

ALUMNI BOARD BEGINS—Strengthening links with the alumni is the goal of the FPU Alumni Advisory board, which met for the fi rst time January 24. Members come from the college, graduate school and Center for Degree Completion, as well as the uni- Alumni: versity staff. Sitting, from left: Harriet Huggins (BA ’84), Marietta Dalpez (BA ‘97), Julie Uhl (BA ‘02) and Geri Warkentin (PBI ‘55). Standing, from left: Mary Willis (Director of $AVE at Career Resources), Renee Singh-Boucher (BA ‘93), Raul Trejo (BA ‘03), Nicole Linder (associ- ate director of events and alumni programs), Suzana Dobric´ (associate director of college the MCC admissions) (BA ‘99, MA ‘02), Charles Spencer (BA ‘70), David Beckenhauer (BA ‘89, MA ‘99), Tim Fast (BA ‘65), William Dyck (chair) (BA ‘97), Cindy Steele (Fresno Pacifi c School of SALE Professional Studies director of staff development), Joe Hernandez (MA ‘95) and Coleen Hoskins (advancement services assistant.) Not pictured are Joli Barrios (Fresno Pacifi c Graduate School marketing coordinator) and Billy Ware (BA ‘98, MA ‘00). Stop by the alumni booth at the MCC Sale IN TOUCH WITH ALUMNI 1717 on the FPU campus April 4 & 5. Fill out a NAME contact info form and ADDRESS receive: CITY STATE ZIP

• $1 off coffee coupon HOME TELEPHONE WORK TELEPHONE

at Alumni Café E-MAIL GRADUATION YEAR

OCCUPATION • 10% off coupon for WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU? an alumni item at Information for Pacifi c Magazine: Pacifi c Book Shop

| PACIFIC | 19 S R O N O ANDREA MORELOCK ALL-GSAC H

ZACH SCHROEDER GSAC SCHOLAR ATHLETE C I T E L H

T GASTON CIGNETI CHRISIE GREGORY ALL-GSAC, ALL-REGION ALL-GSAC, ALL-REGION A (FROM LEFT) NAIA ALL-AMERICA FABRICIO CODECEIRA , SCHOLAR ATHLETE ALL-GSAC

2 EDDIE GUTIERREZ, ALL-GSAC ORLANDO RAMIREZ, 0 GSAC & REGION PLAYER OF THE YEAR,

0 NAIA ALL-AMERICA HONORABLE MENTION 2

L L

JENNIFER TOLER

A ALL-GSAC, ALL-REGION NAIA ALL-AMERICA NICK LOMELI

F SCHOLAR ATHLETE ALL-GSAC, ALL-REGION

20 | PACIFIC | Sunbirds 3rd at Nationals The Sunbirds capped one of its most successful seasons with a third place finish at the NAIA National Championship in San Diego in early December. The team won their third consecu- tive, and ninth overall, Golden State Athletic Conference with a perfect 20-0 record and finished the season with a 41-2 mark that included an FPU and GSAC record 36-match win streak.

(FRONT FROM LEFT) KARA VERWEY, CHELSEY DULEY, MIKA PESTORICH, MESHA WIMER, LISA ENNS, LIN GAO. MIDDLE: ERIN MAZMANIAN, GERA BAHR, BECKY STIGLICH (ASSISTANT COACH) BACK: HU XIAO FENG, KELLY WINTER (ASSISTANT COACH), JENNIFER STRID, SHAILEY JONES, LORENA ZULETA, JIM AVE (TRAINER), MATT TERRA (ASSISTANT COACH), DENNIS JANZEN (HEAD COACH).

DENNIS JANZEN NAIA REGION TWO COACH OF THE YEAR, GSAC (FROM LEFT) LIN GAO, GSAC & COACH OF THE REGION PLAYER OF THE YEAR, YEAR NAIA ALL-AMERICA FIRST TEAM MESHA WIMER, ALL-GSAC, ALL- REGION, NAIA ALL-AMERICA FIRST TEAM

KARA VERWEY LISA ENNS GSAC SCHOLAR ATHLETE ALL-GSAC, ALL-REGION

LORENA ZULETA, ALL-GSAC, ALL- ATHLETES REACH OUT REGION, NAIA ALL-AMERICA The FPU Volleyball Team visited HONORABLE MENTION Childrens Hospital Central California. Members of the squad spent time CHELSEY DULEY with children in the cancer and respi- GSAC SCHOLAR ratory wards, talking, signing post- ATHLETE ers and showing support. They also toured the neo-natal ward. From left, Mesha Wimer, Lisa Enns and Shailey Jones visit with one of the children.

| PACIFIC | 21 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 2561 Fresno, CA

1717 S. Chestnut Avenue Fresno, California 93702-4709

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED