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On May 28, Pacific Union College’s Visual Arts Department hosted its annual Diogenes Film Festival at the Cameo Cinema in St. Helena. With PUC Professor of Film Melissa Henry Pratt and Film Instructor Nephtali Marin as the hosts, 15 films were showcased to a full house of faculty, staff, and the PUC community. The night was filled with laughter, heart, and, of course, popcorn. With three awards presented, three PUC students, one alumna, and a student from PUC Preparatory received awards for their work.“Diogenes is our graduation. It’s our Oscars,” said Marin. “It’s a big moment for us. A time to celebrate.” As their professor, Marin had the privilege of watching his students grow throughout the projects, from the rough to the final cuts. “They all worked so hard, and each had their own challenges, and each turned out completely different,” he said.Senior Kateryna Popravkina received the Audience Choice Award for her film Albedo. As an audience favorite, her film also left an impression at the 2025 Sonscreen Film Festival, an event hosted by the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which had funded Albedo last year through a pitch competition.Junior Samuel Birky and senior Jonathan Murdick won...

A few weeks prior to the annual Angwin to Angwish race held on May 3, Pacific Union College Enrollment Counselor Abraham Garrido partnered with 45 participants from the Redwood Trail Alliance and the St. Helena Thunderbird mountain biking group to clear leaves, trees, overgrown grass areas, and bushes throughout the trails adorning the college’s 1,100 acres of forest.Offering 35 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, running, and horseback riding, the PUC Forest is protected by a conservation easement in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) and the Land Trust of Napa County. This opportunity helps PUC students, faculty, and staff, as well as community members, enjoy this stretch of recreational nature.As the race organizer, Garrido received feedback from frequent runners, bikers, and community members that the openness of the trail enhanced their overall experience, as they did not have to worry about poison oak or maneuvering under or over trees or branches.Garrido and his wife, Isabella, frequently enjoy the trails because they allow them to feel close to God while decompressing from the stresses of everyday life and staying healthy. He specifically enjoys embarking on long mountain adventures and running ultramarathons, taking advantage of...

In May, Pacific Union College was ranked #7 for its bachelor’s program in nursing, with graduates earning a median annual income of $141,000. PUC's RN-to-BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and is designed to prepare registered nurses for leadership, graduate education, population health, evidence-based practice, and professional nursing roles in today's healthcare environment.This flexible 100% online RN-to-BSN program is designed for working registered nurses throughout California, enabling them to advance their education while serving their patients, families, and communities, and emphasizing compassionate care, critical thinking, clinical judgment, and service to diverse populations.“We are honored to see Pacific Union College recognized among the nation’s top bachelor’s nursing programs for graduate earnings,” said Tamara Tirado, PUC dean of nursing and emergency management. While salary is only one measure of success, this recognition reflects the strength of our fully online BSN program, the dedication of our faculty, and the exceptional commitment of our students.”Following the completion of the BSN degree, many graduates pursue leadership roles, specialty practice, graduate education, and advanced nursing roles, building upon their nursing knowledge through coursework in leadership, community and public health, research, informatics, and evidence-based practice.“Our goal is to prepare nurses...

On May 21, Pacific Union College Professor of New Testament Ross Winkle was honored as the 2025-2026 Educator of the Year during a special Community program at the PUC Church. He was selected by the student body for his spirited teaching, dedicated mentorship, and commitment to faith.“Ross Winkle has great knowledge and wisdom and a wry sense of humor. After watching him and listening to him over the years, it is no wonder that students love him and his courses,” said PUC President Ralph Trecartin. “His character and vast knowledge content begins to change your worldview, and helps us reorder our perspectives on life and scripture in a persistent and powerful way.”Reigning him with this new title was last year’s Educator of the Year, PUC Assistant Professor of Nursing & Student Success Coordinator Nicolette Piabert, who also gave Winkle the Educator of the Year cape, with Lindsay Hayasaka, PUC academic dean and vice president for academic administration, handing him the award. As an introvert, Winkle attempts to avoid the spotlight whenever possible, so hearing his name called as the new Educator of the Year came as a shock.“To me, being named as Educator of the Year means that I am...

On Sunday, April 19, Pacific Union College’s aviation program hosted its annual Air Expo at the end of Homecoming Weekend alongside the Angwin Disaster Airlift Response Team (DART), creating a well-rounded and enjoyable experience that brought students, faculty, staff, and community members together.This event featured a pancake breakfast and PUC club activities from the Black Student Union, Psychology and Social Work, SOL, business, and other campus clubs, which provided treats, snacks, and fresh meals. A local food vendor also sold homemade and authentic Indian food by popular demand within the community. The climbing wall was well-received as a popular activity by the younger audience as well. The aviation program takes pride in involving its students and other students across campus in its events to not only share the joy of aviation but also highlight the mission of service.This expo showcased a large selection of aircraft, some of which are owned by community members who keep their aircraft in hangars at the Virgil O. Parrett Field, bringing an exciting variety to the event each year. A highlight for many visitors was the discovery flights, offered in some of the department’s fleet. Other attendees enjoyed flying PUC’s new full-motion, virtual reality flight...