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.

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.

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.

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

Peter Kopriva, Ed.D., professor of early childhood development and special education, gave two presentations at the 29th Annual Conference on Character and Civic Education hosted by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development at California State University, Fresno, April 12, 2013. One presentation was with his wife, Sijmontje Renema-Kopriva, M.A., a special education teacher at Edith Storey Elementary School, Fresno.

Darren Duerksen, Ph.D., assistant professor of intercultural studies, published “Ecclesial Identities of Socioreligious “Insiders”: A Case Study of Fellowships among Hindu and Sikh Communities” in the International Bulletin of Missionary Research. See the article at internationalbulletin.org/archive/all/2013/4

Ryan Schellenberg, Ph.D., assistant professor of biblical and religious studies, published “τὸ ἐν λόγῳ ἰδιωτικὸν τοῦ Ἀποστόλου: Revisiting Patristic Testimony on Paul’s Rhetorical Education.” Novum Testamentum 54 (2012): 354–68.View the abstract at booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/10.1163/15685365-12341403;jsessionid=1q14v154iric9.x-brill-live-01

President Pete C. Menjares, Ph.D., is writing and speaking about diversity. 

Several members of the FPU music faculty were mentioned in a Fresno Bee article on the local chamber music scene.

“Chamber music charms with its intimacy,” by Donald Munro, was published February 17, 2013, on the front page of the Spotlight section. Those listed included:

• Dieter Wulfhorst, D.M.A., associate professor of music
• Susan Doering, D.M.A., adjunct instructor, violin and viola
• Jennie Blomster, adjunct instructor, horn
• Jeanette Erickson, adjunct instructor, flute
• Rachel Aldrich, adjunct instructor, oboe

Pictured: Doering and Wulfhorst

Hope Nisly, M.L.S., acquisitions librarian, published “Morning in America,” a creative nonfiction/memoir, in CMW Journal, v.5, no. 1, in January 2013. The CMW Journal is a bi-monthly publication of the Center for Mennonite Writing. See Nisly’s article at mennonitewriting.org/journal/5/1/morning-america/