More than 800 new Fresno Pacific University graduates were advised to pursue their calling—not their dreams—during commencement ceremonies May 10, 2025.
While it can be inspiring to hear you can change the world if you just follow your dreams, such platitudes may not be entirely true, said Aaron Box, MBA, national director of the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (USMB), FPU’s sponsoring denomination.
“Following your dreams may not be the best way to change your world,” he said. “Maybe your best contribution will be something you haven’t even dreamed of.”
Box spoke at both the morning undergraduate and the afternoon graduate ceremonies in Selland Arena in downtown Fresno. In all, 863 students were eligible to graduate: 183 from traditional undergraduate programs, 284 from bachelor’s degree completion programs and 396 from graduate programs, including 23 from the seminary. FPU students study at the main campus in Southeast Fresno as well as regional campuses in Merced, North Fresno, Visalia and Bakersfield as well as online.
Blame Tom Cruise
For many years Box wanted to be a fighter pilot—“and I blame Tom Cruise entirely for this,” he said of the Top Gun star. He learned the difference between an F-14 and an F-15 and attended airshows, until as a teen substandard eyesight crushed that dream. “No amount of work would overcome this reality,” he said.
Instead, Box discovered the life God had prepared him for: his calling. Since beginning his ministry more than 20 years ago as a youth pastor in Darmstadt, Germany, Box has been a youth pastor and interim lead pastor at Seaside (OR) Christian Church, project manager for Stadia Church Systems, co-founding pastor of Restore Community Church and senior pastor of North Park Community Church in Eugene, Or, before leading the USMB.
“You’re gifted in a unique way,” Box said. “You can’t be anything you want, but you were created and called for something of meaning and significance.”
Equally as important as a calling is a place, Box told graduates, starting with the place they were born. “Before your very first cry a piece of who you would be was already determined by the place from which you came,” he said.
Once they understand their place, graduates must relate their place, and life, relate to a chief cornerstone: the first stone laid in any building project and the reference point for everything they believe. In the Bible, Jesus Christ is called the chief cornerstone, and he was that for the Mennonite Brethren who 80 years ago built Pacific Bible Institute, now Fresno Pacific University. “Today you’re part of their story,” Box said.
Finding your stone is worth all the effort you can throw at it, Box said. “Unless that chief cornerstone is immovable and true everything else, at some point, will come into question.”
Honoring Edmund Janzen
In the morning ceremony, FPU bestowed an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters upon a distinguished leader, scholar and servant of Christ—Edmund Janzen.
Janzen has exemplified a life dedicated to faith, scholarship and service. As a professor, mentor and administrator, he shaped generations of students, guided faculty with wisdom and strengthened the mission of Christian higher education. Janzen served as the fifth president of Fresno Pacific from 1975 to 1985. His deep commitment to the integration of faith and learning has left an indelible mark on this institution and the global Anabaptist community. Janzen’s influence extends beyond the classroom. Through his leadership in biblical education and his steadfast dedication to the church, he has helped bridge the worlds of academia and ministry, always pointing others toward Christ-centered excellence. His legacy is one of integrity, humility and an unwavering commitment to truth and service.
Awards
Graduates, faculty and a local church won awards from the university: the Nickel Excellence in Teaching Award (NETA) went to Joanna Crocker, MSN, MHA, MBA, Psy.M, FNP-BC, instructor of nursing; the Harold Haak Award went to Jasmine Sirvent, B.A. English-Math; and the Seminary Service Award went to Clovis Hills Church Tulare Street Campus.
Watch ceremonies on Livestream:
- Morning undergraduate ceremony Undergraduate Ceremony
- Afternoon graduate ceremony at Graduate Ceremony
PHOTOS:
- TOP: FPU President André Stephens, Ph.D., presented diplomas to more than 800 graduates during commencement ceremonies May 10. (FPU photo by Bradley Kennedy)
- BOTTOM: Edmund Janzen (center) received an honorary doctorate during the morning commencement ceremony, honoring his career as Fresno Pacific president and faculty member as well a leader in the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. At left is FPU President André Stephens, Ph.D., and at right is Josh Wilson, J.D., chair of the FPU Board of Trustees. (Photo by Marty Solis)