This fall, Fresno Pacific University begins its 80th year of impact on California’s Central Valley and beyond. We invite you join us to celebrate our past successes and look forward to future possibilities for a Christian higher education that transforms people, families, communities and professions.
The theme of the 80th Anniversary is adapted from the words on the FPU seal: Faith | Wisdom | Service
“This significant milestone highlights the university’s unwavering commitment to Christ-centered education and its profound legacy of empowering students,” said André Stephens, FPU President. “Through dedication to academic excellence and spiritual growth, Fresno Pacific continues to nurture leaders who are equipped to make a difference in the world. As we honor our past, we look forward to a future filled with even greater achievements and opportunities, staying true to our mission of shaping lives for service and leadership.”
Keep up with all things 80th at https://80.fpu.edu
Where We Come From
The sun shone September 18, 1944, when 28 students and their teachers celebrated the opening of Pacific Bible Institute in downtown Fresno. With a stanza of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” class began under the auspices of the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren (MB) Churches. Eight decades later, the impact of Fresno Pacific University is felt through about 26,000 alumni, 95% of whom come from California—most from The Central Valley.
By 1960, the school had moved to its present main campus, an old cotton field at the corner of Chestnut and Butler avenues, and become Pacific College. Accreditation to offer bachelor’s degrees came in 1965 and the first master’s program was approved in 1974, two years before PC became Fresno Pacific College. A milestone came in 1990 with the first bachelor’s degree completion (DC) classes to help adults with some college experience achieve their dream of a four-year degree while meeting work and family obligations. Degree completion quickly spread to Visalia, Bakersfield and Merced, with campuses being established there and in North Fresno.
Who We Are
All Fresno Pacific students reflect the diverse face of the Central Valley. Of the nearly 3,000 new high school graduates, working professionals and those returning to college to complete their degree who study at the five campuses, 52% of undergraduates come from families earning less than $40,000 a year, 60% of our traditional undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college and 59% of all students identify as Hispanic. All enjoy the Valley’s highest graduation rates. Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary educates ministers, church and parachurch leaders and marriage and family therapists. The university also has a growing number of online degrees and provides development courses to thousands of professionals across the country.
In addition to its contribution to the region, Fresno Pacific University, as the school has been known since 1997, has attracted national attention. The Wall Street Journal, Washington Monthly, U.S. News & World Report and Money all rate FPU highly, with U.S. News and The Journal ranking the university fourth in social mobility for its graduates and both U.S. News and Washington Monthly including FPU on their “Best Value” and “Best Bang for the Buck” lists.
Why we celebrate
Today FPU is still the only Christian university based in the Central Valley. Our emphasis on faith, wisdom and service helps our graduates explore the possibilities for themselves, their families, their communities and their professions. Rooted in our mission to “develop students for leadership and service through excellence in Christian higher education” the university has built a legacy that continues to empower students to serve with ethical leadership and innovative spirit. Fresno Pacific continues to be a place where the potential of every individual is nurtured and expanded, empowering students and nurturing leaders equipped to make a difference in the world.
As we honor our past, we look forward to a future filled with even greater impact, while staying true to our vision of transformation and our mission of shaping lives for service and leadership.
80th Anniversary Events
A variety of events geared to many interests have been organized for the 80th Anniversary. Keep up with what’s happening at https://80.fpu.edu
- Birthday Party September 18
- Featuring an alumni speaker, cupcakes, Sunny the Sunbird and fun photo opportunities
- Regional campuses will celebrate with cupcakes, which will be available to students all week
- Homecoming October 3-5
- Believers Church Lecture Series
- President’s 80th Anniversary Celebration
- Hispanic Heritage Month Family Night
- Social Work Reunion
- Sunbird Tip-Off Dinner
- Choir Reunion
- Athletic Activities
- BBQ and Activities on The Green
All events are on the main FPU campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno, unless otherwise noted. Some events may require admission or membership in a particular group. Check the website for further details.