Under the flags of 41 nations, Fresno Pacific University students, faculty, administration and staff sat down to Thanksgiving lunch November 17, 2015.
The annual gathering promoting community, faith, thankfulness and service took place in the Special Events Center on the main campus. The 400ish ticketholders gobbled a traditional meal of turkey and fixins’. Other activities included the singing of “Be Thou My Vision;” a presentation on how to get involved with Mennonite Central Committee (a Christian relief organization sponsored in part by the Mennonite Brethren churches, FPU’s sponsoring denomination); and a message from Ron Herms, Ph.D., dean of the School of Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences. President Richard Kriegbaum, Ph.D., welcomed the guests and University Pastor Angulus Wilson, Ph.D., gave the closing prayer.
One highlight each year is the Parade of Nations, where an international student from each country represented at FPU carries his or her nation’s flag into the SEC, sometimes while wearing traditional garb. All are saluted, including the U.S. flag. This year 41 nations were included.