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Although some parents would argue that everyday's a kid's day, students at Pacific Union College have decided otherwise. Remembering the childhood complaint of "Why isn't there a special day for kids?" the college students put together a special holiday honoring people under the age of five. On December 2, Pacific Union College celebrated the second official Kids' Day on campus. Approximately one hundred pre-school children from local preschool programs gathered on the floor of the PUC gymnasium, each tyke paired with his/her very own college-age big brother or sister for the day. Divided into groups bearing names, such as the "lions" and "wolves," the coupled students, young and old, visited different stations scattered throughout the gymnasium. Between face painting, relay races, a petting zoo, and bouncing in a gigantic inflated castle, impromptu piggy-back rides and games of duck-duck-goose abound. "When planning the activities, we try to keep in mind the different ways we can stimulate the kids, whether it be physical, artistic, or educational," says Iram Leon, who is part of the organization commitee. "But the main goal is to have fun. If the kids have a good time, that's a great accomplishment." Kids' Day was organized by PUC's Lighthouse...

Eric Anderson, professor of history, has published his third book, titled Dangerous Donations: Northern Philanthropy and Southern Black Education, 1902 1930. Co-written by Alfred A. Moss, associate professor of history at the University of Maryland in College Park, the book explores the influence of northern philanthropy on southern black education. Believing they were bettering blacks' opportunities to become active members of southern society, these philanthropic foundations exercised profound influence over both the schools they funded and black education as a whole, ultimately helping shape U.S. race relations, with sometimes surprising implications for public and cultural values. This fascinating book will prove to be a major contribution to the history field, appealing to students and scholars of African American studies and Southern history, as well as to individuals interested in the history of American education and philanthropy. This is Anderson's second collaboration with Moss. Their first project involved coediting The Facts of Reconstruction: Essays in Honor of John Hope Franklin. Dangerous Donations is now available at local bookstores or directly from the University of Missouri Press. ...

Pastor Jan Paulsen, world president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is the latest recipient of Pacific Union College's Charles E. Weninger Award for Outstanding Achievement. In a ceremony at Pacific Union College (PUC) on April 14, Dr. Paulsen was presented with the award by Dr. Graham Maxwell, brother of PUC president Dr. Malcolm Maxwell, and Dr. Clinton Emmerson. Paulsen was on campus as the guest speaker for PUC's Alumni Homecoming Weekend. "We were very glad for Dr. Paulsen's visit, and for the chance to recognize his contribution to the Church and beyond by presenting him with this award for Outstanding Achievement," comments Dr. Malcolm Maxwell. "We are appreciative of his spiritual leadership and his extensive service to the Church in many areas. To have him with us at PUC for this weekend was a true delight." The Weniger award is named after Charles E. Weniger who graduated from PUC in 1918 and subsequently served at the college as professor and academic dean. Past recipients of the award include former word Church president Neil C. Wilson, Dr. C. Joan Coggin and Pastor Elton Wallace. [Michelle Velazquez Mesnard/Jonathan Gallagher]...

It took two and a half years and a little help from the U.S. Congress, but yesterday, April 20, Pacific Union College presented the grand opening ceremonies for the new Napa Valley Community Resource Center. Located at the corners of Highways 12 and 29, the Center is a joint venture between PUC and the local community to provide educational opportunities for Napa and the surrounding communities.Approximately 150 people attended the opening, including educators from PUC and Napa Valley College, as well as civic leaders. Congressman Mike Thompson, who has actively supported the Center, was slated to speak for the ceremony, but was unable to attend.Allene Timar, vice president of instruction at Napa Valley College, officially cut the ribbon at the ceremony, signifying the important partnership between the Napa Valley's two colleges.Both Ms. Timar and PUC President Malcolm Maxwell cited how the new Center will provide continuing instruction for students who began their education at Napa Valley College. Céline Haugen, executive director of the Napa Valley Economic Development Corporation, cited how the new facility will provide technology training for employees in local business. In addition, the Center will partner with Napa educators to provide teacher credentialing (starting in the fall), adult...

On Friday, April 7, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Dr. John Christian, professor of history at Pacific Union College, collapsed from a massive heart attack and died while teaching. He was 64 years old. Verne Jeske, a former department head at PUC now completing his history degree, encouraged all students in the class to leave the room immediately while two students administered CPR until the ambulance arrived. Dr. Christian was a popular teacher on campus, a favorite among students and colleagues. He taught for PUC's history and liberal studies departments. Lisa Bissell Paulsen, vice president for student services, has arranged for counseling services to be made available to all students present at his death. A memorial service took on Tuesday morning, April 11, at 10 a.m. in the Pacific Union College Sanctuary in Angwin, followed by an interment at the St. Helena Cemetary. The 1,500 plus who attended the funeral heard heart-felt tributes from Dr. Christian's colleagues, former students, current students, family members, and long-time friends. Dr. Malcolm Maxwell, president of PUC and personal friend of Dr. Christian, said, "Today we celebrate a competent teacher, a good administrator, and, most important, a dear friend... He died doing what he loved--teaching."...