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Pacific Union College continues its strong international presence as one of the leading Adventist institutions participating in Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA). For the 2015-2016 academic year, PUC ranked second among the 13 Adventist colleges and universities in North America for the number of students per capita who studied abroad during the year, with 33 students studying at schools around the world. Through ACA, PUC students have the opportunity to study abroad at 12 international Adventist schools for a summer or full academic year. In total, 419 PUC students have studied abroad over the last 10 years; with the most popular destinations being Spain (143), Argentina (97), Italy (64), and France (53). Of the 419 students, 344 studied abroad for the full academic year, which places PUC as the third highest Adventist college or university in North America sending students abroad for a full academic year during the last decade. Graduating PUC students who have participated in the ACA program are given a distinctive stole to wear marking the time they spent invested in their host country (or countries). This year, 32 graduates from the Class of 2016 were recognized with these stoles, with two of the graduates having the special...

As of July 1, 2016, Pacific Union College’s department of religion has been renamed the department of theology. The change was made to more accurately represent the department’s mission and scholarship focus. Dr. Ross Winkle, chair of the department, says, “We’re excited about the change in our name since it more accurately conveys the type of majors we have and the confessional stance of our department.” Winkle explains that an academic department named “religion” typically offers a neutral approach to the teaching of religion and of global faiths and religious traditions, not prioritizing any particular religion above others. By contrast, a department named “theology” conspicuously focuses on Christianity, and seeks to educate future ministers and students majoring in various disciplines to be intelligent, informed, and faithful disciples of Jesus. “We’re also excited to have an excellent departmental faculty, including a new faculty member that will bring our full-time teachers up to seven in number—more than we’ve had in over a decade,” shares Winkle. “Students who come to PUC to take either theology or religion will continue to graduate with a strong background in biblical studies, along with a strong exposure to theology, ethics, and Christian history, as well as biblical...

It is with much sadness we announce the upcoming services for Kevin Canavan, a senior business major who died on Wednesday, July 6, while working as a summer camp employee at Camp Wawona, in Wawona, Calif. He just celebrated his 21st birthday at the end of June. A memorial service for Kevin is currently planned for this Sabbath, July 16, at 7 p.m. at the Monterey Bay Academy Seventh-day Adventist Church. The church is located at 783 San Andreas Road, La Selva Beach, Calif., 95076. “We are still in disbelief over the sad and sudden news about losing our dear friend and student, Kevin Canavan. Kevin’s ready smile, friendly attitude, and leadership abilities made him an exceptional young man. He was such a positive influence on our campus and will forever be remembered and cherished. Kevin’s RA status at Grainger Hall placed him in the forefront of leadership, care, and concern for others at PUC and truly he lived up to these ideals. We long for the day when we will see Kevin’s great smile and wonderful personality again,” says Lisa Bissell Paulson, vice president for student services. Kevin worked this past year as a resident assistant in Grainger Hall,...

On Sunday, June 12, for the 114th time on its campus, Pacific Union College celebrated its commencement exercises, with 393 students graduating. The college proudly awarded 413 associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees to the 393 graduates, 53 of whom are from Napa County. The largest departmental groups represented were nursing and health sciences (178), communication (29), business administration (28), biology (22), and exercise science (20). One hundred and twenty-seven students received academic distinctions and honors, with 15 summa cum laude graduates, 40 magna cum laude graduates, and 60 cum laude graduates. Eight students from PUC’s Honors Program and four Maxwell Scholars were also represented, as were two Student Association officers. Also of note, 16 members of the class served in countries around the world as student missionaries and task force workers. Commencement weekend began Friday afternoon with a dedication service for social work graduates. They shared stories of their internship experiences and how their faith was a fundamental part of their work as well as read the social work oath alongside other social workers present. Each student was also awarded a social work pin, and several had the honor of being pinned by their internship supervisor. Social Work Program Assistant...

On May 26, Pacific Union College hosted the 14thDiogenes Film Festival at the Cameo Cinema in St. Helena. The annual event showcases the talents of both PUC’s visual art majors. This year, 25 short films were shown and five awards were available—Filmmaker of the Future, Orson’s Disciple, Audience Choice Award, Audience Choice Award (for Thesis Films), and Best Thesis Film—with underclassmen being eligible for the first three. The Audience Choice Award was awarded to the producer receiving the most votes from a text poll. However, Best Thesis Film and Filmmaker of the Future were determined by festival judges. The underclassmen projects ranged from a TV web series, “At Grainger” by Hayden Cox, to short films such as “The Wiggles” by Kaitlin Darnell and Alexyss Johnson. A short question and answer session and awards presentation followed. This year the Filmmaker of the Future and the Audience Choice Award were both awarded to Taylor Bivens and Nick DeChicchis for “White Collar.” Also nominated were Jonathan Salvador for “Investigative Journalism,” Julian Ybarra for “Genesis,” and Rachel Ermshar for “Teardrop.” Johnathan Thall, sophomore software development and film and television major, received The Orson’s Disciple award, a new honor given to the film student who...