Julia Reimer, Ph.D., associate professor of theater, completed a master’s in applied theater from City University of New York (CUNY), as part of her two-year sabbatical/study leave. She also joined the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission and attended the annual meetings in Winnipeg in June 2013. After the meetings, she performed her one-woman drama Geertruydt at River East MB Church, Winnipeg. The drama recounts the life of Menno Simons—the early Anabaptist leader from whom Mennonite groups take their name—and the struggles of the early Anabaptists through the eyes of the Menno's wife, Geertruydt.

West Coast Mennonite Central Committee’s Global Anabaptist Institute, June 13-21 at Fresno Pacific University, is intended for young adults who want to be challenged by the diverse opinions and backgrounds of other participants, spiritual concepts and study of peace and justice.

The Central Valley’s first summit on how faith-based organizations can address unemployment was a rousing success.

Armanti Hardesty is ready to join the next generation of teachers.

A half dozen Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary students have been accepted into the Hispanic Summer Program June 22-July 5, 2013, at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX.

On-Site Counseling celebrated its 20th anniversary May 17 with a reception in the BC Lounge at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary.

FPU celebrated a year, and some careers, during the Faculty-Staff Appreciation Luncheon.

Cory Seibel, Ph.D., assistant professor of pastoral theology, published an article in Christian Leader, the magazine of the United States Mennonite Brethren Conference. “Faith that Sticks,” appeared in the April/May 2013 issue.

Commencement usually takes a backseat to athletics when it comes to statistics, but several records were set May 4.

Members of the university Alpha Chi chapter earned individual and group honors at the academic honor society’s national convention.

FPU's Student Activities Board hosted its annual End of the Year BBQ on the East Hall Green on the evening of April 30. The BBQ featured a photo booth, snow cones and cotton candy, water slides, inflatable games and a rock wall. To keep up to date with student life events, visit facebook.com/fpustudentactivities.

Walter Saul, D.M.A., released a CD of original compositions titled Walter Saul: Sonatas and Meditations for Piano. The recording will be released by Enharmonic Records in the summer of 2013. Compositions include “Sonata #5 for Piano,” “On the Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus,” “Sonata #2 for Piano, “Palingenesia,” “Sonata #1 for Piano,” “For God Alone My Soul Waits in Silence” and Sonata #4 For Piano.” A CD release event is planned for January 2014 as part of the Pacific Artist Series.

 Attendees of "I Believe in Downtown," an event hosted by the Center for Community Transformation, heard from two experts on downtown Fresno: Craig Scharton and Kate Borders. The April 26 breakfast was held in Ashley Auditorium. To find out more about the CCT, visit transformcentralvalley.org.

All student leaders were invited to FPU's annual Leadership Banquet in Ashley Auditorium on April 25. The ceremony was an opportunity for FPU staff to recognize and honor student leaders for their exemplary service throughout the school year. Awards were presented to a member of each cadre, or leadership group, including residence life student staff, mentor's assistants, ministry leaders, worship team members and many other groups.

Fresno Pacific recognized and honored many undergraduate students for their achievements during the 2012-2013 school year at the Second Annual Honors Banquet, held in the Seminary Rose Garden. The April 19 event was attended by many prominent members of the FPU community including President Pete C. Menjares, Ph.D.; Master of Ceremonies Pamela Johnston, Ph.D.; and keynote speaker Ryan Schellenberg, Ph.D. Awards presented included junior and senior honors, as well as highest honors.

Those who gave and those who received scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year were invited to FPU's Annual Scholarship Dinner. During the April 16 event, held in McDonald Hall Atrium, donors and recipients had the opportunity to meet for the first time and share about what the scholarship has meant to them. The evening included remarks from President Pete C. Menjares, an invocation from his wife, Virginia, and personal stories about scholarships from recipients and donors. To find out more about Fresno Pacific scholarships, visit scholarships.fresno.edu.

Undergraduate students who conducted research projects this semester displayed their work in AIMS Atrium on April 18 for FPU's Undergraduate Research Day. Students, staff and faculty, including President Pete C. Menjares, gathered to listen to the students present their research. To find out more about FPU's School of Natural Sciences and our other undergraduate programs, visit fresno.edu/academics.

More than 500 new Sunbirds will take flight into the Valley spring when FPU hosts commencement.

A new book from a well-known author was celebrated April 16.

FPU Athletics hosted the annual Sunbird Athletics Awards, where the year's accomplishments were honored through awards presented to athletes, a highlight video and a message from guest speaker and YouTube sensation, Jeff Bethke. To learn how you can support Sunbird Athletics, visit fpuathletics.com.