On May 8, 945 new graduates will be honored in Fresno Pacific University’s commencement ceremony.
The ceremony, virtual because of the COVID-19 pandemic, will include the elements of a traditional commencement, including the announcement of the graduates’ names and university awards, music, remarks from FPU President Joseph Jones, Ph.D., and other staff and faculty members and an address by James Cecy, senior pastor at Campus Bible Church, Fresno. Anyone is welcome to view commencement at fpu.edu/commencement2021, starting at 10:00 a.m. May 8. The recording will remain on the website.
Of the students expected to take part in the ceremony, 537 completed the bachelor’s degree completion program, 227 will receive master’s degrees (including 37 from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary) and 187 earned their bachelor’s degree in the traditional undergraduate program. Seminary and traditional program courses are based at the main FPU campus in Southeast Fresno, while graduate and degree completion programs originate from regional campuses in Merced, North Fresno, Visalia and Bakersfield. Some 48 of the participants graduated in the fall of 2020 but chose to take part in the spring 2021 commencement.
Graduates who registered beforehand have received their diploma covers, commencement programs and other items they would have gotten at the ceremony and are encouraged to celebrate with as many family and friends as they desire. In overcoming pandemic-related challenges, this year’s class—and all FPU students—have shown a perseverance and tenacity that will serve them well in years to come, Jones said.
“Although today looks different than any other commencement before, we are confident there is still great meaning in today’s moments of celebration. It is with great hope that we entrust you with the future of our Valley or wherever in this world you decide to live. With God’s help we expect you to explore new pathways with courage, wisdom and faith as you live out FPU’s calling to “engage the cultures and serve the cities,” he said.