A record number of graduates and a new venue set Fresno Pacific University’s spring 2015 commencement apart.
Approximately 570 will graduate in a ceremony starting at 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 8. Graduates—estimates are about 245 from the traditional program, 215 from bachelor’s degree completion and 113 master’s candidates, including 24 from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary—will gather with their families and friends in Selland Arena at the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center, near the corner of M and Ventura streets in downtown Fresno.
“Commencement is always a great day, and this year is especially thrilling because we have more graduates than ever ready to step into positions in the Valley and beyond,” said Stephen Varvis, Ph.D., provost/senior vice president. “Our goal and hope is that they will be recognized for effective ethical leadership, generous and compassionate service and professional excellence in business, education, management, ministry and a range of other occupations. In all they do they embody the kingdom of Christ on earth.”
The featured speaker will be Juan Martínez, Ph.D., vice provost, academic director of the Hispanic Center and professor of Hispanic studies and pastoral leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. The name if his speech will be “Dreaming God’s Dream,” based on the biblical passage Revelation 7:9-10.
An ordained pastor in the Mennonite Brethren Church, the denomination with which FPU is affiliated, Martínez is also a member of the FPU Board of Trustees. He has a doctorate from Fuller and an M.Div. from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (now Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary).
Martínez has international experience and Central Valley connections. He has been rector of the Latin American Anabaptist Seminary, Guatemala City, Guatemala; director of Hispanic ministries for the Pacific District Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Fresno; director of Instituto Bíblico del Pacífico, Fresno; pastor of Iglesia Hermanos Menonitas, Parlier, CA; and assistant pastor at Iglesia Evangélica, Avenal, CA.
In his research and academic work, Martínez focuses on Latino Protestantism in the United States, especially issues of intercultural church life. His public ministry is centered on immigration reform. In that role he serves as coordinator of La Red de Pastores y Líderes del Sur de California, a network of hundreds of Latino churches in Southern California. He has two adult children, Xaris and Josué, and a daughter-in-law, Jackie.