Those earning master's degrees through the Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, formerly MB Biblical Seminary, will join graduates of the traditional undergraduate and master's programs. The seminary became a school of the university in February 2010 and this May marks the completion of the first full academic year since the merger. These are the first joint ceremonies.
Ceremonies will be outdoors, weather permitting, on the East Hall Green on the main campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave. The ceremony for traditional undergraduate and graduate students, including the seminary, begins at 10:00 a.m., and the degree completion ceremony is at 6:00 p.m.
Of the 426 graduates, 218 are from bachelor's degree completion programs and 208 are from traditional undergraduate and graduate programs, which include the 21 seminary graduates, who earn master's degrees. Degree completion graduates studied at FPU regional centers in Bakersfield, Visalia and North Fresno.
The commencement address will be "What Does This Mean?" from Gary Wall, M.Div., minister of the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, the denomination with which the university is affiliated. Wall earned his B.A. from FPU and his master of divinity from MB Biblical Seminary.
Receptions for graduates, families and friends will follow the morning ceremony and precede the evening event at 4:30 p.m. Both receptions will be on the lawn west of McDonald Hall and east of the commencement site.