A new fundraiser brings a mix of ministry and corporate expertise to Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, part of Fresno Pacific University.
Rory Angulo has been appointed seminary major gifts officer and began work March 17, 2024, at the seminary, on the main FPU campus at 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno. He calls the seminary a perfect opportunity to apply his business skills in an environment that fits his ministry background.
“As a missionary and a pastor, I got great hands-on experience in how a church and a ministry run, and developed discipleship skills, as well as practical knowledge of how to adapt and grow to your congregation's demands,” Angulo said. “My time in the corporate realm really sharpened my professional skills including budget allocations, negotiating tactics and how to navigate in the business world.”
The seminary major gift officer is a member of the advancement staff at the university and participates in the life of the seminary. Duties include developing a new base of supporting churches, businesses, alumni and other donors so the seminary will be able to offer additional financial aid for students.
Before accepting this position, Angulo and wife Claire, a nurse, spent two and a half years with Arco Ministries in Ecuador. They served in medical brigades throughout the country providing free medical and spiritual care for impoverished communities.
Prior to that Angulo was director of missions and youth ministry for Living Streams Church in Phoenix, AZ, where he headed up creating a home church, planting a young adults ministry, carrying out medical and social work home visits and taking a managerial role with refugee and homeless ministries. His significant sales and business experience comes from work as an inside sales representative for Avnet, Inc., an electronic components distributor.
Angulo has a B.A. in Psychology from UCLA and A.A. in Psychology from Moorpark College. He is also bilingual in English and Spanish and is a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
“We are excited for Rory to join the seminary family and engage with us in kingdom work,” said Cynthia McGrady, Ph.D., seminary department chair and associate professor of marriage and family therapy. “His efforts will allow many new students to study and prepare for pastoral roles in our community.”
“Rory has a heart for Jesus and is incredibly enthusiastic about spreading the good news of the Gospel,” said Liz Garvin, university vice president for advancement and executive director of the FPU Foundation.
The seminary major gifts officer position is part of the Lilly Foundation Pathways for Tomorrow Phase 2 grant held by FPBS.