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Every year, PUC’s department of religion is able to enjoy a weekend of rest at the Albion Retreat and Learning Center, PUC's campus on the Mendocino coast, before fall quarter gets busy. This year’s retreat, October 2-5, began Friday evening with a powerful testimony by senior theology major, and former student association president, Ivan Ostrovsky. He shared his experience working as a pastoral intern in Chula Vista, Calif., this summer, and described the incredible experiences he had while working with a Youth Rush team who were based in Chula Vista. Youth Rush is a summer ministry program in which students sell religious books to work on scholarships for college. Ivan closed his message with an appeal asking students to answer God’s call, “Whom shall I send?” with the words, “Here am I. Send me!” Junior theology major Taariq Patel was the speaker for Sabbath morning. His dynamic message, entitled “The Voice of the Dragon,” was based on a story in the book of Jeremiah where two prophets were preaching opposing messages. Patel encouraged fellow theology and religion majors to make sure that the sermons they listen to and preach are filled with truth and mercy. Sabbath School at Albion is...

Returning to America bearing postcard-like pictures of the white sand beaches and stories of snorkeling in pristine teal waters may cause some to wonder if students were returning from an exotic vacation rather than a mission trip. However, the natural beauty of God’s creation was far less significant than the dedicated work and inspirational ministry that took place this past August. The journey began August 19 at Los Angeles International Airport, where eight Pacific Union College students led by Fabio Maia chose to forgo the remaining weeks of their summer for mission work. They traveled thousands of miles away from home to make a difference on the beautiful Fijian island of Mana, located just east of the main island Denarau. “I went to Fiji to reconnect with my God through service,” said Juan Hidalgo, one of the student missionaries. Here they would spend the next fourteen days on a construction project. The group would work together with current Student Missionaries Arielle Medina, Josie Herman, and Jessica Aldred to complete the project. Also joining the group were recent PUC nursing graduates Callie Sappenfield and Tori Fode, who led their own mission to raise awareness of the importance of hygiene. Work began...

The student missionary (SM) experience is unique. The distinct challenges of geography, vocation, and personality can leave those who return from the mission field feeling isolated. A recent weekend retreat helped PUC SMs build support and understanding by sharing experiences and time together. Ten returned PUC student missionaries from across the mission field gathered in Bodega Bay, Calif. on Oct. 3-4 to share their experiences with one another. At the retreat, organized by PUC’s campus ministries staff, the recently returned students discussed ways they could continue their service now that they have returned home. During the weekend retreat, participants enjoyed the beautiful beach scenery as well as valuable discussions about the purpose of student missionaries, the challenges they encountered, and the victories they found during their service. “After spending last year in a pretty rigid missionary schedule, I felt like the retreat was the first place I was able to have an honest conversation with other people who understood where I was coming from,” shares Miranda Mailand, who served as a teacher on the island of Chuuk. Benjamin Speegle, administrative assistant in the Office of Service, Justice, and Missions, understands the experience of resuming college life after being an SM....

On October 26, runners of all ages and abilities will enjoy the fun and challenge of Angwin to Angwish, Pacific Union College’s annual trail run in the heart of the Napa Valley. All are welcome to the revival of this popular event, with courses at the Family(4k), 12k, and 24k distances, all of which run through the beautiful scenery of the Las Posadas forest. Last year saw the revival of the Angwin to Angwish Trail Run, which started in the 1970s and continued for decades after. Over two hundred runners enjoyed the event last year. Again in 2014, the course will take place on smooth to medium-rough trails and service roads with double and single track. A challenging run over hills, the run includes intense climbs (1,000 feet vertical) at the longer distances. It is still not too late to register for the October 26 event, which has no limit to the amount of runners able to participate. Race day registration will stay open for 30 minutes prior to each race, should same day registration be desired. The 24k run begins at 9 a.m., the 12k at 9:20 a.m., and the Family(4k) at 9:30 a.m. Proceeds from the trail run...

Pacific Union College will host a Graduate School Fair on October 15, open to students and the community. Prospective graduate school students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from 23 schools that offer a variety of graduate programs. The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the college Dining Commons.Graduate schools represented include:Academy of Art UniversityAmerican School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, San Francisco Bay AreaAndrews UniversityChapman UniversityDominican University of CaliforniaFashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM)Holy Names UniversityKaplan Test PrepLa Sierra UniversityLoma Linda University School of Behavioral HealthLoma Linda University School of Public HealthLoma Linda University School of NursingLoma Linda University Department of Earth and Biological SciencesMcGeorge School of Law (University of the Pacific)Mills CollegePalo Alto UniversitySan Francisco State UniversitySouthern Adventist UniversityTuoro UniversityWalla Walla University School of Social WorkUniversity of California, DavisUniversity of La Verne School of LawUS Army Health Professions ScholarshipsThis annual event is a great resource for those pursuing graduate studies. “Up to 50 percent of our graduates each year pursue graduate or professional school and we want to support students' goals and make sure they are prepared as they plan for the future,” says Career Counselor Laura Gore, who...