The centerpiece of the celebration will be the inauguration ceremony at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 28, in the Special Events Center.
Among the more than two dozen dignitaries from around the country who have confirmed their attendance are Ashley Swearengin, mayor, Fresno; Jim Costa, U.S. Representative, 20th District; John Welty, president, California State University, Fresno; Deborah G. Blue, chancellor, State Center Community College District; Jules Glanzer, president, Tabor College; Edward O. Blews, Jr., president-elect, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities; Carol Taylor, President, Vanguard University of Southern California; and Steven Gomes, County Superintendent of Schools, Merced County Office of Education.
A celebration luncheon will follow the inauguration at noon on the Campus Green. Tours of the main campus will be available from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Menjares combines a personal faith with a pastoral heart and a passion for peace and justice. He came to FPU from Biola University, where over an 18-year career his posts included vice provost for faculty development and academic effectiveness, associate provost for diversity leadership, education department chair and associate professor of education. Community minded, President Menjares has served as a public school middle school teacher and as a senior pastor of a church in Los Angeles County. His Ph.D. in education: language, literacy and learning is from the University of Southern California; his M.A. in education: teaching and curriculum is from California State University, Dominguez Hills; and his B.A. in religion: pastoral ministries is from Vanguard University.
Menjares began his duties July 28 after being appointed unanimously by the FPU Board of Trustees March 2. He succeeded D. Merrill Ewert, Ph.D., president from 2002-2012, who will be present at the inauguration.
Other public inauguration gatherings include:
- Prayer at the Cross, 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 24. Pete Menjares and wife Virginia lead a time of worship for students, faculty and staff at the cross on the Campus Green.
- College Hour, 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 26. The campus gathers for a chapel service in the Special Events Center, led by University Pastor Angulus Wilson.
- Scholars' Forum & Reception, 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 28. Guest and campus speakers will give presentations in Ashley Auditorium, McDonald Hall.