While many institutions around the country are struggling to diversifytheir campuses, Pacific Union College has been named the most ethnicallydiverse National Liberal Arts College in the nation, according to the newannual rankings of best colleges released by U.S. News & World Report. PUC has previously ranked second andthird in this category.“PacificUnion College in honored to be recognized as the #1 most diverse NationalLiberal Arts College in the entire country,” said PUC President Dr.Heather J. Knight. “We believe that we have achieved this exemplary level of diversitybecause we are privileged to be part of a dynamic global church whose messageis relevant and attractive to all kindreds, tongues, and nations. Furthermore,we highly prize our very special young people who are truly living out thevision of the Beloved Community as they study, worship and play together. Inthis diverse setting, they are also learning the essential skills ofintercultural competence and global understanding, which is so highly valued inthe workplace today. Therefore, we fully expect our graduates to go forth assuccessful peacemakers and light in the world.”The 2017 rankings arebased upon information submitted by colleges for the 2015-2016 academic year.For the diversity category, the ranking calculates the proportion of minoritystudents within the student body, omitting...

Pacific Union College welcomed 148 students and sponsors from 18 Adventist academies in the Pacific Union Conference for the annual Publication Workshop, September 6-8, 2016. The workshop offered school newspaper, yearbook, and video yearbook staff targeted, in-depth training to help hone their publication skills. This year, close to 50 different seminar classes were offered for both students and their sponsors. Students could take classes in specialized tracks for design, photography, writing, video journalism, and editors/leadership, learning how to utilize industry standard software like Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro, while receiving helpful tips and tricks of each profession. Classes ranged from typography to newswriting 101 to yearbook advertising. Sponsor classes were offered as well, such as advising from advisors, to learn the latest team management apps to help their publications run as efficiently as possible. Additionally, sponsors were given access to PUC’s newly remodeled visual arts lounge to network, relax, or just enjoy refreshments. Classes were taught by college faculty from the departments of visual arts, communication, and English. Industry professionals also presented sessions, including Carol Tilstra Nash, who currently serves as the marketing specialist for the Northern California Conference Office of Education. Several current PUC students led out in...

Pacific Union College and the Land Trust of Napa County have announced a joint effort to permanently protect, preserve, and manage 856 acres of forestland in Angwin, adjacent to the college’s campus. This forest is part of a larger ownership of land in the Angwin area held by PUC for over 100 years as an asset for its educational mission and is one of the most significant forests in Napa County. The Land Trust is working to raise the estimated $9 million needed to purchase a conservation easement under the Forest Legacy Program administered by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), which would preserve and protect 40 percent of the college’s land in Angwin and the majority of the college’s forest land, ensuring ongoing sustainable management of the forest into the future. The partnership is pleased to announce over $6.3 million has already been raised, in large part due to a $2.85 million grant from the State of California’s new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. PUC President Dr. Heather J. Knight said, “Our ultimate objective is that the PUC forest will be protected and preserved permanently and operated for the benefit of the college, its students, and the...

Ten pigtails of hair thought to be from seven mutineers of “Mutiny on the Bounty” fame and three of their female Polynesian companions will be analyzed in a collaboration between the Pitcairn Islands Study Center at Pacific Union College and the forensic DNA group at King’s College London, one of the world’s leading research and teaching universities. The Pitcairn Islands Study Center (PISC) holds the world’s largest collection of information about the 1789 mutiny on the British ship H.M.S. Bounty and its aftermath. Strands from the pigtails, currently on display at the PISC, have been sent to King’s College London for testing. As the pigtails purportedly date back to the pre-1800s, the King’s team will first attempt to extract DNA from the historical hair samples after cleaning the outside, and then digesting the hair matrix using a chemical process. Nuclear DNA is not found in hair shafts, only the roots which are not available here; however, mitochondrial DNA may be present. If sufficient mitochondrial DNA can be collected, the first step will be to investigate the ancestral origins of the owners of the pigtails. Herbert Ford, director of the Center, says, “If the tests and genealogical studies of this hair...

On Sunday, July 31, family and friends gathered at Las Posadas Ranch for the Jimmy J. Ha Endowed Scholarship dinner. The event, coordinated by the advancement and alumni relations office, celebrated the life of Dr. Jimmy J. Ha, beloved PUC professor, on what would have been his 48th birthday. Professor Ha passed away in 2010 following a heroic battle with cancer. Over 100 people attended the celebration, which featured a catered dinner, lawn games, and several musical selections, including a piece performed by Sophie Ha, the 9-year-old daughter of Jimmy and his wife Sonia. Many people gave generously to continue to fund the scholarship, with over $60,000 received in donations, a large part of which was matched by an anonymous donor. “Jimmy Ha left a lasting imprint on PUC. His love for the underdog, and his deep love for his students will always be remembered. His legacy continues to live on in the lives of the many students he touched, and those who benefit from his scholarship fund. We’re honored to further his impact on PUC through the loving care of his wife and PUC Board Member, Dr. Sonia Ha. Her leadership will ensure that Jimmy’s legacy is felt for...