Two Tonge Grants Awarded to M.A. in Communication and Aviation Program

Recently, Pacific Union College was gratefully awarded grants of $59,987 for the M.A. in Communication and $74,041 for the Aviation Program, respectively, by the Archie Tongue Education Fund.

The first grant will support the new Master of Arts in Communication, a fully online, 43-credit program designed for working professionals who will be prepared for leadership roles in healthcare, ministry, and mission-driven organizations, among others. On a broader scale, this degree will fulfill the market’s demand for roles such as public relations specialists, health services managers, digital media and marketing managers, as well as opportunities in the nonprofit sectors, global missions, and church ministries.

PUC’s M.A. in Communication is the only entirely online, professionally focused degree offered within the Adventist higher education system, directly addressing unmet student demand and workforce needs and aligning with PUC’s commitment to developing ethical, Christ-centered leaders for service.

These funds will help support various areas within the program, including course and program development, faculty support, including adjunct instructors, administrative support, marketing and student recruitment, and technology and digital tools.

The second grant awarded to PUC will help support the Aviation Program’s remarkable turnaround and success over the last few years through God’s blessings and the dedicated efforts of Nathan Tasker, Merilyn Chaffee, and administration. God has brought renewal, growth, and a vision as the aviation program continues to grow, serving as a model for innovative, Christ-centered flight education.

Because of the great success in visibility and engagement through the Angwin Air Expos and the PQ Soar offerings for high school through PacificQuest, the program has helped reestablish a strong community interest, drawing attention and support from alumni, local pilots, and prospective students.

One of the most important needs is the acquisition of another modern, FAA-approved flight simulator, which will allow the program to enhance instructional efficiency, increase training quality while prioritizing safety, reduce cost, and provide year-round access. A flight simulator not only allows students to innovate with flight simulation in a well-rounded experience, but also log a certain number of hours in it toward their instrument rating and commercial pilot certificates. The new flight simulator acquired through this grant will complement the Frasca simulator, which continues to serve PUC faithfully.

This grant will also make it feasible to upgrade the older simulator hardware and software in-house without risking the loss of training capability. This, in turn, will allow students to complete essential hours towards their pilot certifications at a fraction of the cost, while increasing revenue to the aviation program. It will provide instructors with greater flexibility and scheduling capacity, serve as a recruitment tool for new students (particularly those from underserved or under-resourced backgrounds), and support the program’s long-term vision of self-sustaining aviation education with little or no additional flight costs beyond tuition.

Both the Communication Department and Aviation Program are grateful for these grants and for the many opportunities this will provide students at PUC.