More than 400 students are expected to graduate during the Fresno Pacific University Fall 2015 Commencement. The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, December 11, in Selland Arena, 700 M St., Fresno.
An estimated 246 students will graduate from the bachelor’s degree completion program, which helps adult students, usually with work and family responsibilities, finish their dream of a university education. Another 100 will receive master’s degrees in a variety of disciplines in business, education, management and leadership. About 65 will graduate from the traditional undergraduate program and three from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary.
Offering wisdom to the class will be California Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, who is in her third term representing the 12th District, which encompasses parts of San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties in the Central Valley. Leader of the Assembly Republican Caucus since 2014, Olsen has been vice chair of both the Assembly Agriculture and Education committees, and was named Legislator of the Year in 2012 by the Regional Council of Rural Counties. She serves on the boards of Court Appointed Special Advocates and California Women Lead. A Modesto native now raising three children there with her husband, Rod, Olsen served on the city council from 2005-2010 while working as assistant vice president for communications & public affairs at California State University, Stanislaus. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Westmont College.
Other speakers and dignitaries will include FPU President Richard Kriegbaum, Ph.D.; Provost/Senior Vice President Stephen Varvis, Ph.D.; and Trustee Joe Hernandez, Ed.D. Around 6,500 family, friends and loved ones are expected to celebrate at Selland Arena with the graduates. Adding to the atmosphere will be music from The university Handbell Quartet, Pacific Brass and organ