Pacific Union College students presented a week of prayer for nearly 130 students at Lodi Academy (LA) in mid-January after a scheduled speaker canceled, leaving the school without a week-of-prayer program. Kelli Fessler, a sophomore physical therapy major at PUC, helped organize the program together with six other members of her family group. Fessler’s family group, like others on the PUC campus, is a small group of students who meet regularly on Sunday evenings to fellowship and interact—a sort of counseling session in which the students can talk openly about what’s happening in their lives and turn to prayer and scripture as a source of encouragement. The idea, initiated by PUC student Jason Decena and headed by group leaders like Kelli Fessler, has spread across the PUC campus. Decena’s suggestion that the leaders try to do something unique for their respective groups prompted Fessler to contact Samir Berbawy, the principal of Lodi Academy. The goal of the project was to plan something that would help make each group and its members stronger. “I called the principal to see whether there was anything we could do,” said Fessler, a graduate of LA. “ He asked if we would put on their...

PUC students are in action. You see them everyday: in class, walking to the cafeteria, loitering in the hallways, studying. But what happens behind the scenes is even better. Students are taking a spiritual initiative to organize worships and fellowships which supplement school-planned programs. Senior theology major, Jason Decena, originally organized what were called cell groups, a term they have moved away from because of recent terrorist activity. Under the new title of family groups, Jason, and others like him, participate in an interactive group that finds inspiration and a deeper commitment to God through communication and fellowship. “The groups, in a nutshell, help everyone on his or her way through life,” explained Jason.“The small number of students in each group helps make it very intimate so real communication can take place” One of the main functions of the group is accountability—making sure each and every person in the group feels included and cared about. “The first thing we ask each other when we meet is, ‘How are you, really?’” The groups meet at least once a week and are comprised of about eight students. Each dorm at PUC already has at least one group. Jason and his group leaders...

Rasmussen Art Gallery hosts some of its own with “New Work,” the art department faculty exhibition beginning on February 16 and showing through March 17. “New Work” will feature the art of seven Pacific Union College faculty members and include everything from photography to calligraphy. “It is a privilege to work with such talented faculty and artists,” says designer and assistant professor of art, Milbert Mariano. Mariano’s work will be shown along with the creations of Jerry Dodrill, Rita Hoshino, Thomas Morphis, Cliff Rusch, Bob Seyle, and art department chair, Tom Turner. Despite busy teaching schedules, the latest ceramics, paintings, photographs, and graphic designs showcase the artists’ continued exploration of new concepts and materials. Many of the them have also been featured in solo and group shows around the country. The faculty show sets a high standard for aspiring student artists at Pacific Union College. “It’s great that the students can see their professors active in creating new work,” explains Mariano. Student art will be featured in an upcoming exhibition....

The inauguration of Pacific Union College’s 20th president, Dr. Richard C. Osborn, on Thursday, February 7, drew distinguished educators and delegates from across the country. Lyn Behrens, president of Loma Linda University Adventist Health Science Center, spoke for the ceremony, which included tributes from students, community members, and colleagues, as well as musical performances by PUC ensembles. District 3 Napa County Supervisor, Mel Varrelman, represented the community in extending a welcome to the incoming president. Varrelman challenged Osborn to lead the school in its continued efforts to educate service oriented students who are actively involved in leadership. “My wish for PUC,” Varrelman said, “is that it become a center for learning about democracy in action.” The new president responded to the challenge by emphasizing the college’s “commitment to the broader Napa Valley community as [PUC] serves the citizens of this valley.” Osborn accepted the PUC presidential medallion in recognition of his new role, but he was clear in asserting, “Today is a celebration of PUC, not an individual.” Responding to the prayer of dedication offered by PUC President Emeritus, Malcolm Maxwell, and Behrens’ keynote address, Osborn pledged that “this morning, we rededicate ourselves to productive lives of service and uncompromising...

Sabbath afternoons have taken on a whole new meaning at PUC. Instead of taking a nap after Sabbath lunch, students are worshiping God. One night, near the end of winter quarter, students Tim Cress, David Moore, and Jason Decena tossed around the idea of having a 2 o’clock church service. A week later, they made it happen. “The 2 o’clock service was formed from the desire to have a family atmosphere where we can seek God,” said Tim Cress, a senior theology major who was very instrumental in starting the service. The first 2 o’clock program was held on Dec. 8 in Dauphinee chapel. “The first service was mainly just an experiment,” said Jason Decena, senior theology major and service coordinator. “We just decided to let God lead.” Since the first service, the congregation size has grown from about 40 people to a consistent 150 to 200 people. “I really enjoy the informal quality of the 2 o’clock service.” said Debbie Gorbencko, senior Public Relations Major. “I feel like the service is on my level and is is doing a good job in relating to the struggles that young adults have.” “We wanted to create a service that was not...