Fresno Pacific University’s 75th Anniversary happens in 2019-2020—and everyone is invited to “Gather” for the first public party.
“We want to celebrate 75 years of God’s faithfulness to Fresno Pacific, the Central Valley and beyond,” said Joseph Jones, Ph.D., FPU president. “Generations of graduates, students, faculty, administrators, staff, board members and supporters can be proud of what we have accomplished and welcome the accomplishments to come. As we live our calling to ‘Engage the Cultures and Serve the Cities,’ our history serves as a legacy of possibilities that invigorates our faith and our resolve.”
The anniversary opens with “Gather 2019” at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, September 5, 2019, on the main FPU campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno. Gather begins with a worship service in the Special Events Center, followed by a family-friendly after party on the University Green. The event is free, and dinner tickets can be reserved here.
The only accredited Christian university founded in the Central Valley, FPU welcomes students of all faith backgrounds, or none, to explore their untapped potential for professional, personal and ethical growth through academic programs and co-curricular activities that stress solid preparation and a strong ethical foundation. The vast majority of Fresno Pacific students are from California, particularly the Central Valley, and most remain here to work, live and serve.
FPU consists of five campuses: Merced, North Fresno, Southeast Fresno (which includes Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary), Visalia and Bakersfield. Online degree programs and continuing education offerings serve thousands more students and professionals well beyond state and national borders.
“Christ was our foundation when the doors of Pacific Bible Institute opened September 18, 1944, to 28 students, and has remained so as we have developed as a junior college, four-year college and today a university serving more than 4,200 students with bachelor’s and master’s degrees,” Jones said. FPU is affiliated with the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, and students represent more than 40 Christian traditions and as many countries.
Other events include:
Fresno Pacific 75th Birthday
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 | 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Alumni Plaza | Fresno Pacific Main Campus | 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno | All Regional Campuses
The anniversary of the first day of class at Pacific Bible Institute and we’re celebrating on all five campuses: Merced, North Fresno, Southeast Fresno main campus, Visalia and Bakersfield. Enjoy goodies with faculty, staff and students. Dutch Bros. Coffee will have coffee drinks available for purchase.
Anniversary Gala
Saturday, November 2, 2019 | 5:00 p.m.
Special Events Center | Fresno Pacific Main Campus
An elegant evening celebrating 75 years of God’s faithfulness to Fresno Pacific University and honoring seven distinguished alumni and their professional fields. Sponsorship and table purchase opportunities are available here. Individual tickets go on sale September 1 and will be available online at 75.fpu.edu/ or by contacting Jessi Weaver at jessi.weaver@fresno.edu or 559-453-3450.
A variety of arts, cultural and other events are also in the planning stages. Find out more about FPU and its 75th Anniversary—and share your Fresno Pacific story—at 75.fpu.edu/