As the season came to a close, the Fresno Pacific women's soccer banquet was held in Ashley Auditorium January 23. Athletes and their families were treated to an Italian dinner, and head coach Erik Farfan gave out awards to seniors and other team members, including Newcomer of the Year, Breakout Bird and Sunbird of the Year. He also spoke about the season's highlights, including the team's induction into the NCAA/PAC West.

Internationally known guitarist and recording artist Corey Whitehead entertained a packed house in the McDonald Hall Atrium on the evening of January 17. Whitehead, on the faculty of FPU and California State University, Fresno, showcased a number of classical and flamenco favorites as well as one of his own works.

Fresno Pacific staff and faculty and their families enjoyed food, fun and games at the Fiesta Celebration during the women's and men's basketball games January 19. Look for more staff and faculty appreciation nights throughout the semester in collaboration with other events.

The FPU health services office, The Nest, run by Campus Nurse, Amy Berger, promotes student health and wellness through a variety of services from flu shots to emotional and mental care. Stop by The Nest in Schlicting 117 to get your flu shot and to meet Amy.

Robert Smith, Jr., took the mic in College Hour guest January 18—but he didn’t need it.

Fresno Pacific forward Paul Islas will fulfill a lifelong dream of playing in the MLS.

Giving new teachers a head start is the goal of a new master’s degree program.  

Transfer Connection, a group for transfer students, has begun a video series by Marcus Buckingham called “Trombone Player Wanted.” This five-week series encourages students to grow in their strengths and better their weaknesses. The group began meeting on January 14 and will continue throughout the semester. Transfer Connection meets in North Hall Chapel from 10-10:50 a.m.

The residence life team began a semester of student activities January 11 with the first Weekends at FPU. Open Gym in the Special Events Center provided residents with late-night pizza and recreation. To find out more about upcoming Weekends at FPU, join the Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/WeekendsatFPU.

To teach Fresno Pacific students about discipleship, The Well Community Church is offering a five-week teaching series in Ashley Auditorium on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.. The series began January 10 and continues through February 7. For more information, visit the Student Life Office in Steinert Campus Center.

The Provost's Convocation was a special College Hour January 9 in the Special Events Center. President Pete C. Menjares spoke about understanding God's calling in your life and Ruth Dahlquist, assistant professor of biology; Karen Croizer, assistant professor of practical theology; and Kevin Reimer, dean of the School of Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences, shared how God called them to their field of study. If you missed the Provost's Convocation, you can view it and other College Hour events at fresno.edu/osfstream.

The employment outlook is good for those enrolling in teacher education programs in general—and FPU students in particular.

Chris Janzen, MFA, is an assistant professor of art who keeps a busy schedule of art shows and jazz performances in the Fresno area

Publications: May 2012, Fig Tree Gallery 50th Anniversary monograph, published by the Fig Tree Gallery, Fresno

Art shows: March 2012, Fig Tree Gallery, Member's Gallery March 2012, Chris Sorensen Studio, Artists of the Studio April 2012, North Fresno Church Gallery, "Intervention"  May-September 2012, Fresno Art Museum, "Fig Tree Gallery: 50th Anniversary Exhibition," September 2012, Fig Tree Gallery, "Self" November 2012, North Fresno Church Gallery, "10th Anniversary Exhibit" December 2012, Fig Tree Gallery, "Annual Holiday Exhibit"

Jazz guitar performances: Every Wednesday 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Dusty Buns Bistro, Fresno First Thursday monthly as part of JazzHop; performances at Fresno ArtHop galleries Second Sunday monthly, original arrangements for church service at Mennonite Community Church Fourth Sunday monthly at Ooi Japanese Restaurant

Randy White, D. Min., associate professor of community transformation, presented “What it Takes to Transform Your City” at the Urbana 12 Student Missions Conference sponsored by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship December 27-31, 2012, in St Louis.

Almost 600 people attended the seminar, which addressed strategies believers might pursue to contribute to the long-term transformation of their communities into places of abundance and shalom through a combination of urban ministry, community development, and coordinated Christ-centered civic renewal.

Audio for this seminar and more at urbana.org/urbana-12/seminars

New students enjoyed Welcome Week January 7-11. Events kicked off with New Student Connection and Taco Tuesday, which gave students an opportunity to meet other FPU students and to learn about life as a Sunbird.

We’re all works in progress, no matter where we come from or where we are today.

Christmas came early for 2,000 kids thanks to FPU and community partners.

For the second year in a row, two FPU students have been awarded California Educational Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) Stipends.

The School of Education celebrated the contributions of Dave Derby and Donald McHatten December 5 in BC Lounge.

On the evening of December 9, Student Life hosted its annual, 'Twas the Night Before Finals. This event gave students a break from studying, with breakfast served by staff and faculty, pictures with Santa and prizes. To find out more about future Student Life events, check out facebook.com/fpustudentactivities.