The2012 Faculty-Staff Appreciation Luncheon took place May 8 in Shehadey Dining Room on the FPU main campus.

Saying Good-bye after nearly half a century isn’t an easy matter. It takes a lot of friends.

During finals week every spring, Student Life hosts the End of the Year BBQ. On May 1 students had a chance to take a break from studying for an evening of relaxation on the main campus University Green. Inflatable games, snow cones and cotton candy were among the treats, and a photo booth was constantly full of friends creating memories. Six lucky students walked away with $100 gift cards to Disneyland.

A new feature at FPU’s commencement May 5 was recognizing those who attended 50 years ago as Golden Alumni.

Adult students face challenges as they return to school to complete their bachelor’s degree: family, work, sometimes health and personal issues. Romelia “Romie” Gonzalez has endured challenges enough for all 280 of her degree completion classmates.

D. Merrill Ewert told the 2012 graduates what he has told every Fresno Pacific University graduating class for a decade: “Commencement is my favorite day of the year!”

The Fresno Pacific Intramural season came to a close with the Night of Champions April 23 in the Special Events Center. This night saw the conclusion of the co-ed indoor soccer, co-ed indoor volleyball and co-ed basketball games. Participants called the night a success and the Intramural Board looks forward to more competition and community next fall.

Rich Kriegbaum was honored for his service as interim dean of the School of Business during faculty-staff break April 27.

About 275 members and guests of the Sunbird Conservatives attended the student/alumni group’s annual conference April 21 on the FPU main campus.

More than 80 students produced 35 projects for Undergraduate Research Day April 19 in the atrium of AIMS Hall of Mathematics & Science.

Commencement for more than 500 new alumni will be Saturday, May 5 on the FPU main campus.

The annual Mr. FPU pageant show was a another big hit which took place April 10 in the Special Events Center. In this tradition, hosted by Student Life, male students were judged in five categories to be crowned Mr. FPU 2012.

The Alpha Chi super-regional was a super time for California Zeta, FPU’s chapter of the academic honor society.

Rain damped the grass but not the spirit at the MCC Sale April 13 and 14 on the main FPU campus. Early estimates put the amount raised ahead of last year.

Taking Chan-ces: Francis Chan calls for Christians to risk for faith

Dodgeball was the game March 29 in the Special Events Center. Ten teams of six competed in the single-elimination tournament, an annual FPU tradition. The men's water polo team won the $300 grand prize, and the only all-woman squad won gift cards as best-dressed for their Quail Man costumes, based on the character in the "Doug" TV show. The tournament was hosted by the Student Life Office.

There's some positive news for college graduates who are about to enter the job market.

For the past few years, news has not been good for those entering the education profession: schools were cutting back, classes were getting bigger and teaching was becoming tougher.

Students from the Osaka Shoin Women’s University in Japan have been visiting Fresno Pacific University as a part of their English language studies for a number of years. Here they immerse themselves in dialogue with FPU students, learn about U.S. culture and visit many California landmarks. FPU students also learn about Japanese culture over the course of their month-long visit.

Community leaders welcomed the FPU Merced Regional Center during grand opening ceremonies March 29.