Arthur Wiebe will be honored with this year's Distinguished Achievement Special Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals California Valley Chapter. The presentation will be part of the local National Philanthropy Day luncheon November 19 at Pardini's.
Wiebe receives the award for his many contributions to Fresno Pacific University and the Fresno community. President of the university from 1960-75, he and the late Larry Ecklund co-founded AIMS Education Foundation, which creates mathematics and science curriculum for students and teachers. The foundation provided the major gift for the new AIMS Hall of Mathematics and Science at FPU, as well as two endowed professorships and numerous scholarships.
He was also involved in the creation of San Joaquin College of Law, serving on its board for 20 years. More recently Wiebe was instrumental in forming the Southeast Fresno Community Development Corporation. The group brings together FPU, AIMS Foundation, Butler Mennonite Brethren Church, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary and Mennonite Brethren Missions Services International to improve lives in their surrounding neighborhoods.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is an international organization dedicated advancing philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice effective and ethical fundraising. The core activities through which AFP fulfills this mission include education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing and advocacy.