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An important element of Pacific Union College’s mission is preparing students for productive lives of useful human service, and during the 2013-2014 school year the college further committed to this calling by establishing a formal service-learning program and hiring a service-learning coordinator. “Ultimately, service-learning aims to create a reciprocal relationship between the college and the community in which both students’ learning goals are met, and the community also benefits in a positive way,” explains Alisa Jacobo, PUC’s new service-learning coordinator. Jacobo, a PUC graduate who holds a master’s in social work from the University of Michigan, accepted the new role in addition to her teaching responsibilities as an instructor in the department of psychology and social work. Service-learning is a teaching method that involves service projects selected by the faculty. Projects chosen for a course will addresses a community identified need while simultaneously fulfilling student-learning goals. Students work directly with the local community while receiving assistance from community leaders and a specially chosen professor. In completing the service-learning process, students increase their knowledge of human service while expanding their viewpoint about their own involvement in the community. Although PUC has always been dedicated to including service as part of its...

Academically outstanding students in grades seven to ninegot a weeklong taste of college life from July 20-25 at PacificQuest, PUC’sannual summer program. During the week, the 19 PacificQuest campers livedon-campus and experienced college-level coursework.“The mission behind PacificQuest is to provide academicallygifted junior-high students with an opportunity to collaboratively exploretopics that they may not have the opportunity to engage in otherwise within thetraditional school curriculum—all while getting a small taste of PUC campusculture!” shared PacificQuest Academic Director Tauva Hellie.Students participated in two courses, a core class and anelective option. This year’s core class was Music and Storytelling, taught byRachelle Davis, professor of music and chair of the department of music. Thecourse explored the fundamental elements that are used to express emotion andtell stories through music. At the awards program on July 25, groups ofstudents demonstrated what they had learning by sharing short videos thatutilized carefully chosen music.In addition to the Music and Storytelling course, studentschose between The Legacy of Graphic Design: Leave Your Mark and Physics: Beyonda Mere Observation, both challenging and inspiring options for the buddingintellectuals in attendance.In The Legacy of Graphic Design course, students learnedabout the exciting history of graphic design through hands-on learning and techniquesincluding calligraphy, bookmaking, and...

During the end of July and beginning of August, Pacific Union College representatives travel to Seventh-day Adventist Camp Meetings in northern and central California along with Adventists from around the state to fellowship, meet alumni and friends, and to share what is happening at the college. Additionally, the college hosts the Korean West Coast Camp Meeting on its Angwin, Calif., campus. During the Soquel Camp Meeting, the Central California Conference’s yearly gathering near Santa Cruz, Calif., a group of PUC students are leading the praise music in the Youth Tent each morning and evening, while representatives at the PUC booth are answering questions and sharing information about the college. During the final Sabbath of Camp Meeting, July 26, the Alumni Relations team will host a Sabbath luncheon in the Earliteen Tent following the worship service. Alumni Relations Director Mark Ishikawa will be speaking at the Youth Tent July 24-26. During Redwood Camp Meeting, July 24 to August 2, PUC will be travelling to the beautiful forest of Humboldt County to worship with members of the Northern California Conference. Pastor Larry Graack, an enrollment counselor for the college, will be worshipping in the Youth Tent during the week, and the PUC...

Among the incoming freshman coming to Pacific Union Collegein September are five exceptional students who have been chosen as this year’srecipients of the Maxwell Scholarship. Named for PUC’s iconic presidentialcouple, Dr. Malcolm and Eileen Maxwell, this prestigious award is given tostudents who show outstanding academic achievement, exceptional leadershipexperience, and a commitment to Christian service. The Maxwell Scholar Programawards recipients a $15,000 renewable scholarship for all four years theyattend PUC.Alexander Chang of Grass Valley, Calif., dedicated hishigh school career at Pine Hills Adventist Academy (PHAA) to scholastic,athletic, and extracurricular success. The Grass Valley, Calif., native wasstudent association president his senior year, starting new programs likePHYSICS (Pine Hills Youth Spiritually Invigorating Campus Soldiers) and a Kicks4 Kids shoe drive. During high school this natural leader also won awards inmultiple sports and captained the basketball and flag football teams. Alex hasbeen on six mission trips since 2006, assisting with construction projects,medical and dental services, Vacation Bible School, and Week of Prayerprograms. He also succeeded scholastically as a member of the National and asthe recipient of PHAA’s top academic awards in multiple subjects. Alex islooking forward to starting classes at PUC in September. “I'm really excited tostudy subjects that really interest me, meet new...

Pacific Union College and the PUC Church are pleased to welcome Pastor Jonathan Henderson to his new position as Pacific Union College campus chaplain and associate pastor of the PUC Church, effective September 1, 2014. Henderson is a graduate of PUC, where he completed a bachelor’s in theology in 1999. Henderson started his career at the PUC Church as outreach minister, followed by three years at the Campus Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church in Loma Linda, Calif., where his ministry focused on collegiate and young adult groups. Since 2003, Henderson has served as lead pastor at Grand Advent Seventh-day Adventist Church in Oakland, Calif. “Henderson’s vision for connecting students with their Maker, encouraging stronger relationships with Christ, and training leaders to help in this endeavor make for a good PUC match,” said Lisa Bissel Paulson, vice president for student services, in her announcement to campus about the appointment. A dynamic and enthusiastic speaker, Henderson is a frequent visitor to PUC, often speaking for Friday Vespers, Week of Prayer, and for Sabbath worship services. Henderson looks forward to being on-campus full time as chaplain. “I’m excited to return to the place where I clearly received my call from God,” Henderson shares. “It...