Pacific Union College Hosts 2026 Publication Workshop

From August 30 to September 1, Pacific Union College held its 36th annual Publication Workshop, hosting 129 high school and academy students, along with sponsors, from 13 schools. Faculty and staff from the visual arts, communication, marketing, and enrollment departments collaborated to put together this event. Students received hands-on practice in writing, journalism, video production, photography, design, newswriting, and social media, taught by PUC’s very own faculty– professionals in their respective crafts and fields.

This year, PUC welcomed Armona Union Academy, Central Valley Christian, Columbia Adventist Academy, Lodi Academy, Miramonte Christian School, Mesa Grande Academy, Mountain View Academy, Pleasant Hill Academy, PUC Preparatory, Redlands Academy, Roseburg Christian Academy, San Fernando Valley Academy, and Tualatin Valley Academy.

Sponsored by the communication and visual arts departments, students learned valuable skills through teacher-led activities while also getting a glimpse of the Christ-centered campus and its wide range of offerings. Faculty and staff members involved in this year’s workshop were PUC Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Professions and Director of Publication Workshop, Milbert Mariano; Associate Professor of Communication Tara Hargrove; Professor of Communication Patricia Maxwell; Professor of Graphic Design and Department Chair Brian Kyle; Instructor of Visual Arts Nephtali Marin; Adjunct Professor of Photography Mike Murtaugh; Redlands Adventist Academy Yearbook Advisor and Sponsor Amy Hill; and Mesa Grande Academy Sponsor Lynn Dellinger.

Before the day's activities for the students, the introduction to the workshop began on Sunday evening with a film screening and a short talk by this year’s keynote speaker, Executive Producer at Hope Studios, Kevin Christensen, who has also worked on projects for Netflix, ABC, and NBCUniversal, among many others. After worship led by PUC Church Lead Pastor Nate Furness and music provided by PUC Connect Ministries, Christensen opened the event, shared an impactful personal story, and highlighted upcoming projects at Hope Studios that will showcase faith in the entertainment industry.

Afterward, PUC faculty led four workshop sessions in Fisher Hall and Irwin Hall on design, photography, video, and social media, as well as writing and editing, where students learned how to execute their respective projects for submission later that evening and network with their subjects. Later that afternoon, students gathered diligently to work as a team. By the end of the workshop on Tuesday afternoon, students walked away with valuable experience as an editorial crew, from conducting live interviews to scheduling and directing photoshoots, dabbling in writing, design, and layout, and bringing real-life stories to life.

One student said they enjoyed working on a project as a team and will take those skills back to their yearbook team, while another student enjoyed the fun and engagement of the event while gaining experience. A sponsor also shared that they thought the whole experience was well planned and executed, giving all the students an excellent opportunity to experience PUC.

Mariano shared that it is always a pleasure to provide a great experience for these students and their publication teams. “While we provide a great way for these students to learn about how to build a better publication, we have also helped them develop leadership skills, team-building skills, and, for some, help them realize their calling in art and design, writing, or communication,” he said.

Behind the scenes, other valuable PUC faculty and staff held down the fort on registering students for the workshop and making sure they were cared for during their stay on campus. Andrianna Massena, PUC visit coordinator, enrollment counselor, and principal designated school official for international students, especially enjoys the energy students bring to campus, especially when she sees what meaningful things they can create in just a day and a half.

“I always have the pleasure of coordinating housing and arranging a meal for the event, along with organizing raffles throughout the students’ time here,” said Massena. “For me, this event really kickstarts the year and gets me excited and ready for students returning to campus and all of the other events we have planned at PUC. What I especially love is seeing the students take what they’ve learned and put it into practice. Being able to create a spread about someone, receive feedback and critiques from our professors, and then revise it gives students real hands-on experience. It is a perfect example of PUC’s commitment to experiential learning and gives these students a glimpse into that.”

For the past 36 years, Publication Workshop has brought academies and schools together in community, collaboration, and creativity to help harvest the next generation’s talents and gifts. PUC has been proud to be part of this success and looks forward to next year's Publication Workshop.

Publication Award Results

Excellence in Photography

• Winner: Central Valley Christian Academy
• Runner-up: Redlands Adventist Academy

Excellence in Writing

• Winner: Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy
• Runner-up: Mesa Grande Academy

Excellence in Layout and Design

• Winner: Redlands Adventist Academy
• Runner-up: Mountain View Academy

Best Yearbook

• Winner: Redlands Adventist Academy
• Runner-up: Mesa Grande Academy

On-Site Award Results

Best On-Site Video/Social Media

• Winner: Tualatin Valley Academy
• Runner-up: Mesa Grande Academy

Best On-Site Photography

• Winner: Redlands Adventist Academy
• Runner-up: Mountain View Academy

Best On-Site Layout and Design

• Winner: Lodi Academy
• Runner-up: Tualatin Valley Academy

Best On-Site Writing

• Winner: PUC Prep
• Runner-up: Mesa Grande Academy

Most Improved On-Site Publication

• Winner: Miramonte Christian School