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Learn Local. Grow Local. Serve Local. Those heartfelt words are the motto for Howell Mountain Farms at Pacific Union College, which was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from Adventist-Laymens Services & Industries (ASI.) The farm was established as an outlet for students at PUC to learn about agriculture and business through hands-on experience, but the inspiration came from Ellen White. “I was reading the Spirit of Prophecy,” said farm manager Doug Helmer. “[Ellen White] talked about how we preach too much and we teach too much, that we need to have our students experiencing things more.”In addition to practical experience, the farm will provide a valuable connection between PUC and its students with the local community through an active produce stand. The college will also feature produce from the farm in their dining commons, and the farm hopes to supply local restaurants as well.The generous ASI grant will allow Howell Mountain Farms to expand with a propagation house where seedlings can start to grow before being moved outside. The new facility will be fully automated with a sprinkler system, rolling tables, building sides that automatically roll up at certain temperatures, and a shade cloth for the summer sun. The farm...

Pacific Union College received $569,112 from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to PUC students affected by the COVID-19 crisis.The college received the funds on April 28 and by mid-May, close to $300,000 had already been distributed to 394 students. PUC estimates around 400 students are eligible to receive grants from this federal fund, which is intended to support those who are experiencing unforeseen hardship from the COVID-10 global pandemic. This includes students who need additional support for their education.“We are grateful we received the CARES Act funds and that we can reach so many students with the additional assistance,” said J.R. Rogers, PUC’s Associate Vice President of Student Life. “Some students couldn’t do online learning because they didn’t have computers and some have parents who are now out of work and needed to help support their families. Almost anything you can imagine being an issue is the reality for our students right now.”Another avenue of support for PUC students affected by the pandemic has come from the college’s Coronavirus Student Emergency Fund. The fund was started early in the crisis as the needs of PUC students started to become...