1998

Pacific Union College, entering its 117th academic year, began the fall quarter with Week of Prayer, celebrating "One Light, Many Reflections." The theme, signifying the many way in which we all reflect God, was a collaborative effort that came about after several meetings with all the scheduled speakers. It is an appropriate title for more reasons than one. The majority of the speakers were professors, and each came from a different area of study or campus department, offering varying perspectives on one fundamental truth. Another interesting element involving perspective surrounded the fall week of prayer is the series featured all women speakers. In the past PUC has used a series format when planning the week of prayer. Last fall the religion department headed the week of prayer and the previous year welcomed a group of successful business people. Each group provides a unique perspective on what is familiar ground to all. "We've had different series like this in the past, and they have always worked well," says Mike Dunn, chaplain. "This year we realized that we had never heard from our faculty and staff women, so we thought it would be a great way of continuing the series." None can...

Over the past few months, you may have heard that the college has considered selling some land. It's an option PUC has prayerfully explored, seeking out the advice of experts and the opinions of the college's constituents. Because so many people genuinely and passionately care about PUC's future, the discussion has been widespread. Unfortunately, some incorrect information has circulated, so we want to report on what is (and isn't) happening. An Overview The finance committee, a subcommittee of PUC's board of trustees, met last March to explore ways to achieve the three goals outlined in PUC's new strategic plan. For sure, the goals are bold and worthy: [1] Access, [2] Quality, and [3] Resources. ACCESS: PUC will make Christian liberal arts education more accessible to qualified applicants by expanding PUC's capacity to provide financial assistance and by providing expanded delivery systems. QUALITY: PUC will enhance our program of continuous and intentional development of faculty and staff to their highest potential in order to ensure distinctive student learning outcomes. RESOURCES: PUC will support academic excellence by generating resources adequate to promote and fund the twin goals of access and quality. Tackling this brave plan, the committee favored the concept "of a...

The new school year always receives a host of fresh faces. But in the midst of greeting all the bewildered freshmen, don't forget that our faculty list also has a few new names. Nursing experienced a bit of shuffling earlier this year. When Les Stahlnecker left the department, Carol Williams took his place, bringing Joan Hughson to take over her former responsibilities as the skills lab coordinator. Rosemary Garret is the second new member, replacing Carol Clay in pediatrics. While Janet Borisevich pursues her doctorate degree at the University of Northern Arizona, Sandra Ingram will be teaching several ESL classes along with helping out the Dramatic Arts Society. Leo Ranzolin Jr. joins the religion department this year, filling in where John McVay left off, as assistant professor of Biblical Studies. He has studied at Boston University for the past four years and will be teaching classes on the New Testament. Terrence Branster comes to the PUC technology department all the way from Australia, heading the digital media technology program after 20 years of experience working in the field. And finally, but certainly not least, Paul McGraw will be teaching half time for Eric Anderson. During the next year, Anderson will...

The typical college student is up by eight o'clock in the morning, in class by nine, works a few hours, studies, and even manages to squeeze in some hefty socializing before falling into bed sometime near midnight. If only Colleen Daniels could have had it so easy. Two years ago she went back to school, and her life went from full to overflowing. A single mother, Colleen was working 40-plus hours and raising two children. Between work and driving her kids to cheerleading practices, karate, and boy scouts, her life was hectic enough without adding the stress of midterms and papers. Returning to school was an inconceivable option. That is, until three years ago. After 25 years of working in a dental office, Colleen thought she might be ready for a change. After looking into several possibilities she discovered that few businesses were willing to hire someone without a bachelor's degree. "I realized that as long as I didn't finish college, where I was in my career was as far as I could go," says Colleen. "I wanted more from my life." Determined to finish college, Colleen enrolled in a degree completion program that offered Thursday evening classes. It was...

Two years ago Verlyn Benson, associate professor of Technology at Pacific Union College, hunted for graduate schools, searching for a university that would not only offer a strong technology program but also a graduation ceremony on a day other than the Sabbath. "I did not participate in my Master's ceremony because it took place on the Sabbath," says Benson. "So it was one of the things I looked for." To his surprise, the University of Northern Iowa bulletin listed a Friday graduation during the summer. Days after he enrolled, the school's decision to cancel summer commencement exercises was announced. The remaining two ceremonies would proceed on Saturdays. When it came time to select a graduate studies committee, Benson carefully surveyed the possibilities before choosing Dr. Ervin Dennis as the committee chair and his advisor. But Benson let it be known that there was a special clause that accompanied his request. "I knew it was an honor for the advisor to confer the degree during graduation," says Benson. "But I told him that would not be possible with me, since I am a Seventh-day Adventist." Although disappointed, Dr. Dennis replied that it would not stop him from chairing the committee. Over...

PUC began its 117th academic year, not only with a new class of freshmen, but with changes in the administration as well. After 16 years of serving as the vice president for financial administration, Tom Hopmann announced his retirement last spring. John Collins was recently invited to be Hopmann's replacement. Collins, an alumnus of PUC, came to the college in 1988 to work as the vice president of student administration and enrollment management. In turn, Lisa Bissell Paulson, who came to PUC in 1995 as vice president of public relations, took the place of Collins, becoming vice president for student services, public relations, and enrollment. Along with overseeing the PUC's public relations office, Paulson is also responsible for all campus life outside of the classroom. Hopmann will continue to work part-time, focusing on special projects for the President....

Sonia Barajas is doing something no one in her family has ever done before. She is going to college. A pre-med student, Barajas is majoring in biology at Pacific Union College, an accomplishment which has distinguished her in her family and has also earned her a $5,000 Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship.By attending Pacific Union College, Barajas is fulfilling a life-long dream. "I wanted to attend a university since I was a little girl," she says. "I noticed that none of my family members went to a university, so I wanted to break that chain." Barajas' parents are Adventist immigrants from Mexico. She says that they have always worked very hard as farm workers, but have only received very low wages.It is for low-income Latino families like her own that Barajas is attending school.Barajas is planning to return to the Latino community with her bilingual skills and a medical degree. For her, practicing medicine is not about an income but about a ministry. She is willing to talk about the nice house and comfortable life that many of her classmates will obtain, but she carefully points out, "Giving to people is something I would like better. God has something for everybody......