David Hembree, an FPU alum and experienced fundraiser, has joined Fresno Pacific University as the seminary major gift officer, starting February 2, 2025.
In this role, Hembree will focus on helping future community leaders, pastors and counselors attend Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. He will also take the lead on FPU’s recent $10 million grant from Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, specifically as it relates to fundraising for the grant and the new programs that will begin because of it.
“FPU is thrilled to welcome David Hembree to our team,” said Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of FPU Foundation, Liz Garvin. “He has many years of nonprofit and higher ed experience and will be immensely helpful as we seek to support our students through scholarships and make their daily experience on campus the best it can be.”
Hembree has ample experience in advancement, having served as a major gift officer for the last 11 years at Fresno State. His goal while at FPU is to make connections and build relationships with churches and community members, as well as with seminary alumni and donors.
More than just a career move, Hembree sees joining FPU as a sort of homecoming. “I am an alum and former adjunct faculty member in art,” Hembree said, “so it’s nice to come home.”
While attending FPU as a student, Hembree also was part of the Fresno Pacific Baseball Club from 1976-1980 and also threw the javelin for the track and field team.
He’s especially excited about the Christ-centered focus of Fresno Pacific. “One compelling factor for joining Fresno Pacific,” Hembree said, “was that the impact of my work here will be eternal.”
The Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grant includes a $6.65 million endowment challenge with a 3-to-1 match. For every $1 given, $3 will be added—up to $5 million. The goal is to raise the full $1.65 million by June 30, 2026.
For more information on the grant, and to take part in this historic challenge, contact David Hembree at david.hembree@fresno.edu.