"We are leading our students on a journey that will transform them,"President Pete C. Menjares, Ph.D., told students, faculty and staff at the President's Convocation August 28. The annual event, which combines worship with a message from the president, sets the tone for each academic year.
The theme for 2013-2014 is "Transforming lives." Menjares introduced the year's verse, Romans 12: 1-2:
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (NIV)
Transformation happens in many ways. Menjares outlined three for those in attendance in the Special Events Center on the main campus:
- Nurturing community. "We must make a conscious effort to reach out to others," he said, including students, faculty and staff across departments and locations, such as FPU's four regional centers.
- Fostering commitment. "Commitment is more than schooling at Fresno Pacific—it is life," Menjares said, as everyone answers the call to faith and study.
- Cultivating change. "The transformation will come with time, but it will come," he said. Also important are prayer, meaningful activities and, of course, learning.
Together, everyone at FPU can help students become more than they think possible. "This is an awesome responsibility and a great joy," Menjares said.