Scholars Speak: In a black and white world, try thinking grayDecisions, decisions. It’s a big world out there, with lots of decisions to make. It’s a busy world, too, so we better make those decisions quickly, right? Not always, says Rod Reed, campus pastor and dean of spiritual formation at Fresno Pacific University. In the June edition of Scholars Speak, Reed makes the case that unhurried decisions can be the best decisions.

Graduates challenged for what's next in lifeGraduation is a milestone, not a finish line. "I want to challenge you that while you are done with this stage, in a very real sense you are never finished," Rod Reed, campus pastor and dean of spiritual formation, told graduates during commencement May 3.

Spirits soar at Building on Excellence capital campaign kick-off--more than half the $36 million goal already pledgedThe banner showed $5 million. "Is that enough?" came the voice from the bullhorn. "No!" yelled about 275 students, faculty, staff, administrators, supporters and community guests. The scissor lift rose another few feet and the banner unfurled to $10 million. "Enough?" "No!" The motor buzzed, the lift ascended further, passengers President D. Merrill Ewert and Sunny the Sunbird continued to wave. As the lift reached 24 feet in the sun and breeze above East Hall Green, the banner inched past $20 million. "One more!" "$20.2 million," said the man with the bullhorn, and the crowd's roar ended the quiet phase of the Building on Excellence campaign for Fresno Pacific University. The $36-million effort to build a fine arts center and School of Education Building, as well as increase scholarships, academic programs and endowments was very, very public.

Flying start planned for $36 million campaignNever let it be said Fresno Pacific University President D. Merrill Ewert didn't rise to an occasion--rise, as in 30 feet off the ground in a hot-air balloon. The occasion? The kick-off of FPU's $36 million capital campaign.

Scholars Speak: Freedom and limits at the libraryScholars Speak again goes monthly for the summer. For May, Wayne Steffen wonders what ought to be the mix of education and entertainment at the public library. Does Scary Movie 4 stand with Schindler’s List? Foxy Brown with The Philadelphia Story? More important, who decides and how can we all participate?

FPU offers first summer music campThe new summer music camp at Fresno Pacific University combines music study with personal growth. Open to students entering grades 6-12 in the fall (ages 11-19 as of September 1, 2008) the camp offers instruction in piano, strings, brass, woodwind and vocal music. The camp runs from June 23-28, and both overnight and day-student options are available.

San Joaquin Chorale Concert offers three premiersAudiences will hear three premiers for the price of one at the San Joaquin Chorale concert Saturday, May 3, 2008. The chorale, under the direction of Fresno Pacific University professor Roy Klassen, D.M.A., will perform its spring concert at 7:30 p.m. in the First Congregational Church of Fresno, 2131 N. Van Ness Blvd. Admission, payable at the door, is $10 for general audiences and $7 students and senior citizens. Call 559-453-2267 for more information.

Scholars Speak: The economic stimulus big giveThe federal government is giving away money! What should we do with it? President Bush and other leaders want us to spend the windfall on domestic goods and services. Call it an economic stimulus package or a tax rebate—it is a tried and true method of jumpstarting the economy. Supporters hope this short-term boost will have long-term benefits. A few others call saving the money, or at least paying down debts, more responsible. Tim Neufeld, biblical and religious studies professor at Fresno Pacific University, offers a third suggestion so far unheard in the public discussion. Find out what this is in this week’s Scholars Speak.

FPU scores at Alpha ChiA half dozen FPU students presented papers at the Region VII Alpha Chi Conference March 7-8, in Portland, Oregon.

Spring days bring spiritual playsOne spring week brought three plays with spiritual themes to FPU.

Scholars Speak: Have you done a good math problem lately?Innumeracy—it’s a big word for a malady many of us picked up in elementary school: the sweating palms, the shaking knees, the lightheadedness that occurs when a teacher says, “Please open your math books.� Sadly, these symptoms may remain throughout life, manifesting itself during budget meetings at work and tax time at home. Strangely, carriers of innumeracy often wear their illness as a badge of honor. Unfortunately, it can also be contagious, spreading down the generations. Dave Youngs, mathematics education professor at Fresno Pacific University , has a warning and a solution in this week’s Scholars Speak.

Ministry Forum offers fresh voice on the GospelsA fresh voice brings a new take on the Gospels to the 2008 Central Valley Ministry Forum April 17 at FPU. Donald Miller, author of "Blue Like Jazz," is the featured speaker for the event, which runs from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the FPU main campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Avenue, Fresno, south of the Butler intersection.

Scholars Speak: Relief sales combine doing good with having funHelping others does not have to be a sacrifice, and Mennonite relief sales are living proof: everything from quilts and furniture to art and old books get sold, food from a variety of traditions gets eaten and everyone has fun, while raising millions for those facing poverty and disasters—natural and manmade. One such sale happens in Fresno April 4 & 5. Kevin Enns-Rempel gives a historic background to the event in this week’s Scholars Speak.

Does Speeding Make Good Reading?Everyone wants children to become fluent readers. But how do we measure fluency? Is reading a speed sport, like auto racing, or a plunge for depth, like cliff diving? This week in Scholars Speak, Rene’ Mendel Lebsock, language and literacy professor at Fresno Pacific University, says the focus on fast reading misses the mark and offers alternatives.

Alumni in professions report to students in School of Business Q&AUndergraduate alumni and a current graduate student brought students a progress report on life beyond graduation February 8, 2008. The Fresno Pacific University School of Business hosted Sheila Kamps, Martin Acree and Susana Garcia during College Hour. Acree and Kamps are business grads now involved in professions. Garcia is pursuing a career while working on her master’s degree.

Scholars Speak: Connecting the dots leads to Big Brother - Video surveillance doesn't stop crime, so why use it?Video cameras are making public places more public for private citizens. Supporters say they deter crime and help police put the bad guys behind bars. Opponents call them one more step toward the United States of Big Brother. Scott Key turns his eye to the subject in this week’s Scholars Speak.

Autism conference at FPU offers help to professionals, familiesProfessionals and parents alike can learn from a leading expert on autism March 7, 2008, at Fresno Pacific University. "Community Autism Partnership--Research, Early Diagnosis and Treatment" features Fred Volkmar, M.D., as keynote speaker, along with sessions by area professionals. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. in the FPU Special Events Center. Volkmar's keynote speech begins at 9:00 a.m.; breakout sessions at 1:00 p.m. A box lunch will be provided. For more information, call Diagnostics Center, Central California, 559-243-4047, or check the website at fresno.edu/autism

American Society of Victimology comes to FPU for national meetingA nationwide organization dedicated to victims of crime will hold its annual meeting at FPU. The American Society of Victimology's Sixth Annual Symposium will be March 5-7, 2008. The FPU Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies is sponsoring the event. Members of the public as well as professionals in criminal justice are invited. To register, call the center at 559-453-3418.

Scholars Speak: Why do we love to hate Hillary?Practically since her first day as first lady, Hillary Clinton has engendered emotions far beyond those of normal politicians or political wives. When she ran for Senator from New York , interest ran as high as for a national campaign. Now that she’s in a national campaign, both the right and left are aflame with—dare we use the word?—hate for Hillary. Hope Nisly wonders what drives this extreme dislike, and challenges us to examine what lies beneath in this week’s Scholars Speak.

Scholars Speak: Tap into smart ways to be a better water consumerAhhhh, water. Just open the tap and out it pours: cool, clear and clean. Nothing could be less complicated, right? Where have you been? Water is the latest fashion accessory. It comes in all manner of colors, styles and prices—each of which says something terribly important about the person who carries it. Forget little dogs, water is the consumer must-have of the moment! The few of us still scratching our heads over the sanity of that last paragraph may thirst for the clarity of Pamela Johnston's Scholars Speak.

Scholars Speak: Ancient spiritual practices for the 21st centuryWhat are we going to do about these young folks? No matter what we do, they won’t go to church? Harrumph! But wait, studies show twentysomethings value faith and search for spirituality, just not in the ways and places their parents do. So, again, what is to be done? Tim Neufeld has some ideas this week in Scholars Speak.

Scholars Speak: Pit bulls, bad knees and neighborliness: what price personal safety?So often we debate the Big Issues like peace and security in the abstract and over there: Iraq , not Clovis. Distance makes answers neat, tidy and obvious. But what happens when the choice bares its teeth at you in your own garage? Let Duane Ruth-Heffelbower—faculty in peace and conflict studies at Fresno Pacific University—tell you all about it in this week’s Scholars Speak.

Scholars Speak: Liberty over security: speak out before it's too lateIndividual freedom vs. collective security—a question as old as democracy that rose from the ashes of September 11, 2001. Can we have one without the other? Must we choose? Is the question too simple, or is it event the right one? In this week’s Scholars Speak Scott Key, Fresno Pacific University professor and peace activist, presents his view of the current health of civil rights and a call to action to make things better.

Scholars Speak: Beyond Iraq: King's message for todayMartin Luther King Jr. is more than a name from the past. The vision he expressed in the speech “Beyond Vietnam� reached beyond the issues of 1967 to—and beyond—the issues of today. Larry Dunn, Fresno Pacific University professor and member of the Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies, looks at King’s words and their echoes for 2008 in this week’s Scholars Speak.

Latin-classical ensemble continues Pacific Artist SeriesThe Latin-classical flute-guitar ensemble Duo Colibri is next in the 2007-2008 Pacific Artist Series.

220 graduate in fall commencementThe achievements of 220 students were celebrated December 7 during FPU's fall commencement.

Scholars Speak: Episcopal DebateValley Episcopalians made a difficult decision earlier this month. In Scholars Speak this week, two Fresno Pacific University faculty — Eleanor Nickel and W. Marshall Johnston — who were on differing sides of the debate, provide a thought-provoking look at the issues, emotions and history behind the vote.

Scholars Speak: Does history owe the innkeeper an apology?A young couple in town to be taxed stops at an inn, tired and footsore. Though he can plainly see the woman is about to give birth, the innkeeper forces them to the stables, earning a lasting place in the People You Love to Hate Hall of Fame. Had the innkeeper known who the child would grow up to be, might he have been a better host? Maybe. Or maybe the poor guy wasn’t just a hard-hearted businessman, and maybe clearing his reputation is important at this time of peace on earth. That’s Brian Schultz’s point in this week’s Scholars Speak.

Scholars Speak: Enough is enough: let children be childrenThe eternal question for parents: When will my child be old enough to …? Fill in the blank with all of life’s milestones. Date? Drive? Live on his or her own? Marry? Have kids? How about go to school? Over the years preschools have become more like regular schools, with organized curricula, formalized classes and goals, goals, goals. Some experts want to make them even more so, and require attendance at a younger age. This can’t be bad, right? The quicker kids start learning, the better they’ll do in school and the more they will succeed in life. Right? Scott Key makes a case for letting kids be kids, at least for awhile longer, in this week’s Scholars Speak.

Scholars Speak: pros and cons of school dress codesThis week Scholars Speak offers a two-for-one offer on school dress codes from faculty of the Fresno Pacific University School of Education.

Scholars Speak: Proof of global warming as good as science can get - its time for actionWhen it comes to global warning, most scientists say “yea,� but a few stay with “nay.� Is scientific unanimity possible? How much certainty is necessary to justify nonscientists taking action? These are the questions Michael Kunz, AIMS science professor at Fresno Pacific University, addresses this week in Scholars Speak.

Varvis moves to new enrollment position--Collier to direct community relationsStephen Varvis will become vice president for enrollment management. This new position will oversee recruitment and retention efforts for all students: traditional undergraduate, graduate, degree completion and professional development at the main campus in Fresno as well as the university centers in Bakersfield, Visalia and North Fresno.

Nickel and Dimed comes to FPU--Fall play examines life for the working poorThe life of the working poor comes to the stage at FPU presents "Nickel and Dimed" as its fall mainstage production. "Nickel and Dimed" will be at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 8-10 and 15-17, in Ashley Auditorium on the FPU campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno, south of the intersection of Chestnut and Butler. Tickets are $8 for general admission and $5 for students and senior citizens. For more, call the Arts Office at 559-453-2267.

"Lessons and Carols" marks the beginning of Advent and ChristmasWords and music come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus in "Lessons and Carols: A Prelude to the Advent Season," hosted by Fresno Pacific University. The service is a collection of music and Scripture readings. Performances are at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 18, at First Congregational Church, 2131 Van Ness Blvd.

Scholars Speak: Armenia, Turkey, genocide and...FreudIf Sigmund Freud had the countries of Turkey and the United States on adjoining couches, what would he say about Armenia, admitting past mistakes, tough love and healing? That's what Jay Pope, Fresno Pacific University psychology professor, analyzes—sort of—in this week's Scholars Speak.

Influencing others makes a leader--Business Forum speaker explores real successNo one can be a real success alone, John Maxwell told 1,600 businesspeople and professionals over quiche and coffee October 26 during the Fresno Pacific University 2007 Business Forum.

Scholars Speak: Journalistic skepticism vs. blind beliefTelevision, movies, books, the Internet, newspapers and radio—each contains news, information and entertainment. Back when Lou Grant ran the newsroom, he made sure readers, listeners and viewers knew their real-life meat and vegetables from their fictional dessert. Today, has Fox Mulder taken over as editor?

That's what W. Marshall Johnston, Fresno Pacific University history professor, wonders in this week's Scholars Speak. Looks to him like journalists have lost their skepticism of the paranormal and ESP and voices from beyond aren't just for Halloween anymore.

Scholars Speak: Halloween history doesn't match the mythHalloween is coming. For some a time to dress up for a little good-natured extortion in quest of candy. For others a time to fight the forces of darkness. Some schools have Halloween parties, others have harvest festivals. But is Halloween, like a costumed kiddie, hiding something? And are the secrets of the night even what we think they are? Pamela Johnston, history and classics professor at Fresno Pacific University, looks at Halloween's backstory and comes up with some surprising answers in this week's spooky Scholars Speak.

Scholars Speak: School counselors in the age of accountability in educationSchool counselors deal with students in a way no other educator does. In a job that's more than testing and filing results, counselors works with children and young people individually to see what makes them tick. At least, that's what school counselors do in a well-designed program that's supported by administrators.

In this week's Scholars Speak, Diane Talbot talks about what school counselors have to give in this age of educational accountability. Talbot is director of the Pupil Personnel Services Division in the Fresno Pacific School of Education, former school counselor and past president of several professional organizations.

Scholars Speak: Can Christians support Buddhist monks?Buddhist monks are dying in Burma fighting for freedom and democracy. Should Christians care? Do the two groups—whose theologies so differ—have any common ground? Can the faithful of two religions talk without compromising their beliefs?

Tim Neufeld, contemporary Christian ministries professor at Fresno Pacific University, thinks so, and talks about it in this week's Scholars Speak.

"Who is my Neighbor?" theme of Building a Culture of Peace WeekDrama, discussion, poetry, prayer, music and food will be some of the tools employed to combat poverty during Building a Culture of Peace Week, September 30-October 5 at Fresno Pacific University. All events listed are on the main campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., south of the Chestnut-Butler intersection. All events are free and open to the public. Highlights include:

Scholars Speak: In praise of teachersPeople—in the Valley, in California, in the United States—are talking about education. Laws, learned reports and studies, studies and more studies by experts declaim opinions and declare solutions. But what of those who spend time with children? What of those who stand in the classroom, trying to put hands and feet on educational policies and the love of education into children's minds and hearts?

You know: teachers?

Linda Hoff, director of the teacher education in the School of Education, suggests we ask teachers about education, and show our appreciation for their success, in this week's Scholars Speak.

FPU introduces online master's programsNew online master's degrees take the quality of a Fresno Pacific University graduate education to more people and places.

Scholars Speak: Keeping children reading"Everyone agrees" is a rare phrase in the education debate, but when it comes to reading support does seem universal. Parents, teachers and experts of all stripes tout the benefits of reading and offer ways to encourage children.

But what happens when children don't listen to the experts?

Rene' Mendel Lebsock suggests ways to get—and keep—children reading this week in Scholars Speak.

Pacific Artist Series brings a world of musicDances from Latin America and art songs from Germany are just two examples of the fine music included in the 2007-2008 Pacific Artist Series sponsored by Fresno Pacific University.

String quartet broadens music opportunities at FPUA new ensemble and a new full-time faculty member will boost the strings program at Fresno Pacific University.

FPU students can help put the world on a better pathStudents from Fresno Pacific University are part of transforming the world. That was the message from FPU President D. Merrill Ewert at the university’s opening convocation August 31. Students, faculty and staff gathered for the annual event, which marks the end of the first week of classes.

Scholars Speak: Labor Day holiday means more than leisure timeLabor Day Weekend means so much. Let's toast the ceremonial end of summer with burgers and dogs on the grill. Let's enjoy the last long weekend before Thanksgiving, or at least Veteran's Day.

Let's honor the sacrifice of the many who sweated, and the some who died, giving the rest of us working stiffs the day off. That’s Hope Nisly's job this week in Scholars Speak.

Roundtable series links business with FPUThe experience and expertise of Fresno Pacific University faculty and local business leaders will come together in the 2007-2008 Business Luncheon Roundtables at FPU’s North Fresno Center.

Scholars Speak: Bullying can be stoppedNot all is fun and games on school playgrounds. Many children, often the physically smallest and least socially successful, find they get the most attention not from friends, but from bullies.

Bullying has been around as long as children have gathered together, but does that make it unstoppable? Scott Key, professor in the Fresno Pacific University School of Education, doesn't think so, and presents ideas on how to make school safer in this Scholars Speak.

Scholars Speak: McDonalds and world peaceMcDonald's—its billions served give it influence way beyond burgers and fries. Lovin' it or hatin' it, few among us have not at some point found it our kind of place.

But can Ronald & Co. bring world peace for all time as well as a break today? Duane Ruth-Heffelbower, a member of the Fresno Pacific University School of Business and Center for Peacemaking & Conflict Studies, has cooked up some tasty ideas on the subject for this Scholars Speak.

Ron Claassen wins Robinson Common Good AwardRonald L. Claassen was honored as the 2007 California Central Valley "Outstanding Advocate for the Common Good." Claassen, director of Fresno Pacific University's Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies, received the award during a dinner program Sunday June 3 at Hope Lutheran Church.

Scholars Speak: Civil society begins with civil discussionWe've got problems here in the San Joaquin Valley. Everybody knows that, but how do we solve them?

What about getting together the folks affected by a problem and talking about it? Passionately, because we care. Respectfully, because we know that those who disagree with us over solutions care just as much as we do.

As simple, or crazy, as that sounds, it's FPU President D. Merrill Ewert's suggestion in this special summer Scholars Speak.

Mennonite Brethren gather to discuss higher educationA historic event is coming to the campuses of MB Biblical Seminary and Fresno Pacific University June 4-10, 2007. For the first time, representatives of Mennonite Brethren higher education institutions from around the globe will gather for a consultation.

FPU begins degree completion program in criminology, restorative justiceThe new criminology program at Fresno Pacific University stands out for several reasons:

• FPU's success in helping working adults complete bachelor's degrees.
• The focus on restorative justice that involves victims as well as offenders.
• The moral and ethical foundation.

Fresno, FPU ready for second NAIA track & field nationalsThe return of a national tournament to Fresno Pacific University brings benefits to Fresno. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Outdoor Track & Field National Championships will be at Fresno Pacific University May 24-26. In all, 123 colleges and universities from the United States and Canada are scheduled to participate.

Faculty the focus of commencement speechFaculty were highlighted during spring commencement ceremonies May 5 at Fresno Pacific University. Video of the event is available in the commencement archive.

The purpose of schoolsHere's a dumb question: What is the purpose of public schools? To teach, obviously. But to teach what? American public schools were created to teach the knowledge and values immigrants and their children were thought to need to be part of society. Long before character curriculum, education was more than readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmetic. Is this enough? Scott Key, education faculty at Fresno Pacific University, shares his thoughts in this week's Scholars Speak.

Students at workGetting a look at the world of work was the goal of Job Shadow Day 2007 April 19. Duncan Enterprises hosted eight Fresno Pacific University students for the day, sponsored by the university's Career Services Center and Alumni Advisory Board.

Students organize card-signing for Virginia TechStudents at FPU reached out to those who suffered loss in the shootings at Virginia Tech University.

Scholars Speak: The United States belongs in DarfurAmericans like their government close to home, serving those who pay their leaders' salaries and vote them into and out of office. That said, most agree, with varying degrees of enthusiasm, that at times the country must risk George Washington’s warning against "foreign entanglements" and fulfill a duty to the world. The nitty-gritty of when, where, how and how long we should be involved in a given situation—especially with troops—stretches the tightest coalition. Not to mention the question of whether big powers do more harm than good when they try to help. One person’s mercy mission is another’s colonial meddling. In Scholars Speak this week Fresno Pacific University Professor Scott Key makes an impassioned argument for intervening in some form in the crisis in Darfur. Like Somalia and Rwanda before it, the country’s name has become shorthand for death and suffering.

Alpha Chi inducts new membersFPU's chapter of Alpha Chi Honor Society welcomed 19 new members at the April 13 ceremony.

Readings, discussions and films engage students outside of classBy Mary Anne Saul Every day Fresno Pacific University faculty go out of their way to provide educational experiences for students. Two examples are the "Ars Litterata" library readings and the social justice film forum, "Brewed Awakenings."

Scholars Speak: Doing something about the next Virginia TechSomething horrible happened at Virginia Tech University and people want to do something. Preferably something that will keep this from happening again. A natural reaction. A laudable goal. But not an easy one. Duane Ruth-Heffelbower, an experienced counselor and faculty member at Fresno Pacific University, looks at the situation in this week's Scholars Speak.

Scholars Speak: Earth Day 2007: time for personal actionThe subject is timely, the question is timeless and the options are the same as they ever were:

Global warming
What can one person do?

1. Disbelieve
2. Deny
3. Despair
4. Something

For those who answered D, Ken Marten's Friesen, political science and history faculty at Fresno Pacific University, presents a series of practical suggestions and a touch of historical context in this week's Scholars Speak.

Fresno Pacific University spring Commencement May 5Spring Commencement ceremonies for Fresno Pacific University will be Saturday, May 5, on the main campus. Bachelor’s degrees will be awarded to approximately 260 undergraduate students and master’s degrees to about 70 students. Ceremonies begin at 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the Special Events Center.

Bad connection: cell phones symptom of America's obsession with isolationCell phones - they call, we answer. It’s like living with a cat. Annoying and indispensable, do they say something about us beyond what each of us think is the best ringtone we can buy commercially to most capture our unique personality? Jay Pope thinks so, and shares it with the rest of us this week in Scholars Speak. Pope is a professor of psychology at Fresno Pacific University; a user of cell phones and an observer of the culture they define and encourage.

Fresno County cows and environmental careMilk, cream, ice cream, cheese - what's not to love about the bounty from dairy cows? Unfortunately, cows produce other products not sold in stores. Those creations circulate freely through the air, however, and can damage lungs if not contained and controlled. Fresno County needs to find ways to do just that, says Cynthia Ovando-Knutson in this week's Scholars Speak, and the time to speak out is now.

Enns and Myers say give peacemaking-and evangelism-a chanceEvangelism and peacemaking-two concepts not often combined in the church today-were linked by the 2007 Believer’s Church Lecture Series speakers at Fresno Pacific University and MB Biblical Seminary.

Scholars Speak: Technology Gaps in the ClassroomIM in MySpace, but you Digg YouTube? Del.icio.us! Let's Sykpe over to eBay. Don't get it? Ask your local teenager to find out just how bad those puns are. If all the multitasking going on around you is giving you a headache, you're not alone. Ken Martens Friesen sees it all every day in his classroom at Fresno Pacific University and gives us his take in this week's Scholars Speak.

Students only cheat themselves when they don't readSo students don't read - so what? If anyone is hurt, it's just them, right? Wrong, according to this week's Scholars Speak. Richard Rawls, director of Fresno Pacific University's Hiebert Library and member of the history and philosophy faculty, has a whole list of people who suffer when students slack off in their reading, from classmates to taxpayers.

Fiddler on the Roof comes to FPU"Fiddler on the Roof," the classic musical about Tevye, Golde, their family, friends and folkways, comes to Fresno Pacific University Friday and Saturday, March 23, 24 and 30, 31. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. in the Special Events Center. The campus is located at 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., south of the Butler intersection. Admission is $10 for general audiences, $7 for senior citizens and students. For tickets, call 559-453-2267 or go to the website at fresno.edu/performingarts.

Participation in government crucial to all ChristiansBy Mary Anne Saul John H. Redekop is a man on a mission: to convince everyone to participate in politics. In some circles, this may be an easy task, but at the talk he gave at Fresno Pacific University on February 15, 2007, "converting" his audience was more difficult.

Those who would help must show respect, MCC leader saysBy Mary Anne Saul Tesfa Dallelew's passion for Africa, the continent of his birth, is immediately apparent. Even if one does not know about his many years of work through World Vision and the Mennonite Central Committee, his resonant voice gives him away. He opened his talk at FPU, on February 8, 2007, with a warning. "Sometimes I get too preachy," he said. "Beware."

Cleaner air...it can happen!Air is the ultimate natural resource. Gender, class, age, skin color, political party have no bearing on who needs it or how much they need. So it just seems fair that everyone who breathes air has a role in making it and keeping it clean. Scott Key, FPU faculty member, explores what each of us can do in this week's Scholars Speak.

Fiddler on the RoofTradition! Come with us to Anatevka and laugh and cry with Tevye and Golde as they try to raise five daughters while maintaining family and religious traditions in the face of a changing world.

Education as social capital: It takes a communityWhen it comes to education, plenty of people have questions, arguments and accusations. One thing all the critics have in common - all the problems in education are clearly someone else's fault! But what if we all have a role to play in educating our children? What if their success is our success, and their failure is our failure? Jo Ellen Misakian, interim dean of the Fresno Pacific University School of Education and veteran Valley educator, examines that unsettling thought in the week's Scholars Speak.

McNeal lays out what it takes to be a great leaderWith a prophet’s voice and a comedian’s timing, Reggie McNeal brought the importance and characteristics of, not just leaders, but extraordinary leaders, to the 2007 Central Valley Ministry Forum organized by Fresno Pacific University.

Divorce without war: collaborative lawDivorce is painful for not only the couple involved, but their children, family and friends, as well. People who once looked for ways to show their love can become equally ingenious in finding ways to show their hate. Nice follow-up to Valentines Day, right? Still, this week's Scholars Speak finds hope even in the darkness of divorce. There are ways for couples splitting up to cooperate instead of litigate, and many, many people are using them: some even encouraged by lawyers. See what Duane Ruth-Heffelbower - lawyer, minister, mediator and faculty member at Fresno Pacific University - has to say.

Feeling good about celebrating your loveValentine's Day. St. Valentine himself might scratch his head over all the romantic hoopla - roses, chocolate and diamonds, diamonds, diamonds - associated with his name, but this third-century Christian martyr would pull his beard to think of the modern-day cruelty involved in mining, cultivating and harvesting these symbols of love. Scott Key illuminates the lesser-known heartlessness behind the heartfelt gifts and offers some alternatives this week in Scholars Speak.

2007 NAIA National ChampionshipsFresno Pacific will once again host the NAIA National Track & Field National...

10th annual flute choir festival features internationally known artistThe 10th Annual International Flute Choir Festival takes place Friday and Saturday, February 16-17, 2007, in Ashley Auditorium at Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., south of the Butler intersection.

Scholars Speak: Reliving WWII - lessons for the children of all warriorsWarriors sacrifice for country and cause - no question about that. But what of the loved ones who stand and wait? What of the children not yet born who will tend the scars of battle without ever having met the healthy parent who went to war? Duane Ruth-Heffelbower speaks to those questions powerfully from a personal and professional perspective in this week's Scholars Speak.

Homework - stop the insanity!Homework. We all did it. OK, we didn’t like it, but it helped us learn, right? Well… Scott Key, education professor at Fresno Pacific University, isn’t so sure. In fact, he’s convinced the opposite is true. The “insanity” of homework is his subject in this week’s Scholars Speak.

Self-sabotage: Why don't we do what's good for us?"We have seen the enemy, and he is us." It's an old joke -few under 50 could identify the source - but it applies to all of us some of the time and some of us, seemingly, all of the time. How can it be that rational people make bad choices? Well, this week's Scholars Speak by FPU Psychology Professor Jay Pope offers some ideas.

FPU student named to national honor bandA Fresno Pacific University student has been selected for a nationwide music ensemble.

Eugene Friesen comes home to Fresno as part of the FPU Pacific Artist SeriesA former local resident who has earned a national reputation continues the 2006-2007 Pacific Artist Series sponsored by Fresno Pacific University.

"Songs of Requited Love" celebrates range of emotionRelease concert timed for Valentine season

Beyond Iraq: King's Message for TodayMartin Luther King Jr. left a vast legacy for the movement he personified and the nation he loved. But he left more—King left us a vision of America where there is no gap between the words of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence and the actions of both powerful leaders and everyday citizens.

Commencement speaker challenges with a questionFresno Pacific University graduates charged to begin a journey of discovery

Repairing the Military Commissions ActThe Military Commissions Act is coming under a great deal of attention right now and Duane Ruth-Heffelbower - a former U.S. Air Force attorney who is now a Fresno Pacific University professor working with peace and conflict issues - has a unique perspective on the act: both the need for it and the need to fix it.

NCLB - Is it patriotic?What has education legislation to do with patriotism? Or the military? The answer might surprise you. Sometimes it’s good to read the small print, and Fresno Pacific University Education Professor Scott Key has done just that with No Child Left Behind, the defining document of the Bush Administration’s approach to education. He shares what he found in this week’s Scholars Speak.

TROJAN WOMENThe Trojan Women was performed November 9-11 and 16-18 in Ashley Auditorium.

Professors, publishing and perishing"Publish or perish" - we hear it a lot on university campuses: to keep a job, professors must produce learned articles and books. This means they must do research, which sometimes means the only view students get of their teachers is from the far end of a lecture hall. This is education? That's the question for Rod Janzen, senior scholar, in this week's Scholars Speak.

AIDS Day observance at FPUFACING A CRISIS

Conference gives voice to crime victimsby Kristin Deffenbacher Giving voice to the victim was the goal of the 12th Annual Restorative Justice Conference at Fresno Pacific University.

The Tragedy of Slavery: It isn't overSlavery: a horrible memory of American history, or an ongoing crisis? As Scott Key, an education professor at Fresno Pacific University, shows in this week's Scholars Speak, slavery has changed its face but is still present among us.

Dropouts . . . who cares?Everyone agrees finishing high school is a good thing. Read Scott Key's thoughts in this weeks Scholars Speak.

Crosswind debuts November 5A new student music ensemble at Fresno Pacific University debuts in November. Crosswind, a contemporary troupe of singers and instrumentalists, will perform at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 5, at North Fresno Church (Mennonite Brethren), 5724 N. Fresno St. Admission is free.

‘Trojan Women’ resonates with modern worldAn ancient play with modern overtones is coming in November to Fresno Pacific University. The Trojan Women will be at 8:00 p.m. November 9-11 and 16-18 in Ashley Auditorium at FPU. Tickets are $8 for general audiences and $5 for students and senior citizens. For tickets, call 453-5586.

Brown brings baritone voice to 2006-2007A vocalist who has taken American music to an international audience continues the 2006-2007 Pacific Artist Series sponsored by Fresno Pacific University. Anthony Brown, baritone, performs at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2006, in Bonner Auditorium, Fresno Art Museum, 2233 N. First St. Admission is $10 for general audiences, $7 for students and senior citizens.

Restorative Justice Conference focuses on victims’ needsThe needs of the victims of violence drive the 12th Annual Restorative Justice Conference organized by the Fresno Pacific University Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies. “The Victim in Focus” will be Friday and Saturday, October 20-21, in Ashley Auditorium in McDonald Hall. A pre-conference training will be Thursday, October 19.

Business Forum audience hears joyful messageGoing to work should be like making the winning score in the closing seconds of a basketball championship, author and former CEO Dennis Bakke said at the 2006 Fresno Pacific University Business Forum on September 27. “In a championship game, once in awhile you have a chance to use your skill to make a difference,” he said.

Fresno Pacific University to host Urban Youth Workers Institute seminarUrban Youth Workers Institute (UYWI) will host RELOAD—A One-Day Training Experience at Fresno Pacific University Saturday, October 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is $15 in advance; $20 at the door. To register, call UYWI at 800-734-8994, ext. 202, or visit the website at reloadtour.org. For directions to FPU, call 559-453-2000 or visit the website at www.fresno.edu/.

Scholars SpeakMonica, Chandler, Joey, Rachel, Phoebe, Ross—no longer in prime time, they’re still good Friends to millions through the magic of DVD and cable.

Gershwin gala opens 2006-2007 Pacific Artist SeriesA night of Gershwin begins the 2006-2007 Pacific Artist Series sponsored by Fresno Pacific University.

2006 Business Forum with Dennis BakkeJoin us as Dennis Bakke, co-founder of The AES Corporation, offers insight into experiencing joy at work: September 27, 2006 Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Homecoming 2006Come tailgate Sunbird style!

U.S. News again honors Fresno Pacific UniversityU.S. News & World Report has again ranked Fresno Pacific University with the best universities in its category.

$100,000 gift fuels expansion of victim-offender programLongtime efforts to make Fresno County a national model of fair and effective criminal justice got a boost thanks to an anonymous $100,000 pledge.

FPU Community instrumental ensembles welcome musiciansArea musicians looking for a chance to play university-level repertoire have two options at Fresno Pacific University.

Herma Williams appointed FPU provostToday, Fresno Pacific University named Herma B. Williams, Ph.D., as the institution’s new provost and academic vice president, effective August 1, 2006. Williams currently serves as associate provost at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts.

Fresno will reap rewards from the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National ChampionshipsAthletes won�t be the only ones going for gold at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Outdoor Track & Field National Championships Thursday-Saturday�the city and people of Fresno will be winners, as well.

Nearly 400 graduate May 6 from FPUSpring commencement ceremonies for Fresno Pacific University were Saturday, May 6, on the university campus.

New alumni called to practice intellectual hospitalityThe spiritual and the intellectual are both necessary to life, graduates were told during commencement ceremonies May 7 at Fresno Pacific University. �It will always be important to analyze data carefully, to evaluate critically where information comes from, to rely on original sources and to compare one�s understandings with friends and colleagues�and to do all this with Christian humility, with intellectual hospitality,� speaker Rod Janzen told 299 graduates, their families and friends.