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Throughout the 2025-2026 academic year, Pacific Union College Assistant Professor of Psychology Libna Arroyo invited guests to her psychology courses to give students real-world learning experiences through the college’s experiential learning opportunities.For the PSYC 235: Child Development class, Professor Arroyo invited two families, one of whom is PUC Assistant Professor of Kinesiology Matt Evans’ family, with children under five, to participate in age-appropriate activities with college students during the child development lab.PSYC 264: Social Psychology featured a Holocaust survivor, Anita, who was a hidden Jewish child during World War II. She has been sharing her story for five years and is currently 93 years old. Also, National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplain (NAVAC) Board Certified Chaplain and Air Force Chaplain Jonathan Arroyo spoke to the students about altruism.Arroyo invited two families from the community who have adopted children through foster care in California to her PSYC 335: Adolescent Psychology class to share their experiences with adolescents. These families shared their experiences in parenting children who have suffered trauma. The parents also shared their relationships with professionals who work with their children, such as social workers, school counselors, and teachers, and provided tips for interacting with families in their future careers.Arranging...

On July 1, Sam Heier transitioned to his new role as Vice President of Financial Administration and Chief Financial Officer. Having served as the Executive Director of Financial Administration since 2023, he has since established strong financial rapport across campus, bringing a wealth of experience, strategic thinking, and a vision to keep PUC moving forward.Heier’s story began long before he settled in Angwin with his wife, Jodel, whom he met during his time at PUC, and their two sons, Rylan and Luke. After moving to PUC from his hometown near Stuttgart, Germany, in 1996, he was a determined ESL student in a completely new environment, working at the Howell Mountain Market to support his education. Heier credits his work experience there and the manager he worked under with influencing the management philosophies he holds and practices today.“I think what makes PUC unique is not that we are here to teach students in the classroom alone, but we really help them grow as human beings and future leaders,” he said. “Students are mentored by amazing educators and pastors. That was my experience back then as an international student, and it still holds true today.”Heier described his time at PUC as a...

From June 12 to 14, Pacific Union College proudly celebrated 316 graduates from 13 states and six countries, awarding a total of 345 degrees across the nursing, business, psychology, social work, visual arts, biology, world languages, and communication departments– awarding 169 associate’s degrees, 167 bachelor’s degrees, and nine master’s degrees. Filling the seats at every service over the weekend were proud parents, faculty and staff, friends, and colleagues of the graduates who have left a lasting impact on the college campus.“If anyone is doubting the value of higher education, they need to attend PUC's graduation weekend,” said Vice President for Academic Administration Lindsay Hayasaka. “Seeing students who have worked so hard—and overcome so much—cross the stage renews my faith in the importance of this work. I couldn't be prouder of our faculty and staff, whose dedication has helped make this celebration possible, or of what this graduating class has accomplished. Our graduates remind me that education changes lives, and I can't wait to see what our newest alumni do next.”The weekend activities began on Friday with the Nursing Graduate Recognition service held in the PUC Church sanctuary. The speaker, Robert Michael Heaton, a nursing educator in clinical education and lead...

The Pacific Union College aviation program recently introduced the Adventist Aviation Museum in its new facility to alumni, students, faculty and staff, and community members.Across from Fisher Hall, where the program currently houses one of its simulators and classrooms, this new facility, aside from the Virgil O. Parrett Field Airport, serves as a modern-day exhibition honoring fellow Adventist missionaries and aviation pioneers while offering ample space for students in the fast-growing program.A preview of the museum was held during PUC’s Alumni Homecoming weekend in April 2026. Approximately 150 people attended the opening program, titled “Carrying on the Legacy: Conversations with Adventist Aviation Pioneers,” where Adventist mission pilots who had served in places such as Papua New Guinea, Tanzania, Kenya, and the Solomon Islands shared their experiences. Attendees were exposed to a broader picture of past work, with a passion for keeping the mission moving forward.“Seventh-day Adventists have always been a people of hope,” said PUC Flight Center Director Nathan Tasker in the museum’s promotional video. “It is a hope baked into our very name– a constant, forward-looking gaze toward the blessed hope of our returning King.”For Tasker, one of the most prominent driving forces behind the establishment of this honorary...

The Pacific Union College nursing program is pleased to announce that, alongside its latest ranking of #7 for producing the highest-paid nurses nationwide, it has now been ranked #2 on Nurse.org for the accessibility, online and in-person offerings, length, and academic quality of its fast-growing RN-to-BSN program.Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), PUC’s 100% online RN to BSN program can be completed within nine to 18 months at $385 per credit, for a total cost of approximately $15,000. All theory courses are asynchronous and taught by Certified Nurse Educator faculty members who hold Online Teaching Certification and prioritize student progress. The college also offers nursing students an optional 90-hour in-person practicum to obtain a Public Health Certification.“One of the things I appreciate most about our RN-to-BSN program is the way our faculty invest in students as individuals,” said Tamara Tirado, dean of nursing and emergency management. “This recognition is a reflection of the care, commitment, and excellence that our faculty bring to their work every day, and I am grateful for the impact they have on the nursing profession.”Grounded in rigor, consistency, and flexibility, this program is designed for students at any stage of their career...

A few weeks prior to the annual Angwin to Angwish race held on May 3, Pacific Union College Enrollment Counselor Abraham Garrido partnered with 45 participants from the Redwood Trail Alliance and the St. Helena Thunderbird mountain biking group to clear leaves, trees, overgrown grass areas, and bushes throughout the trails adorning the college’s 1,100 acres of forest.Offering 35 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, running, and horseback riding, the PUC Forest is protected by a conservation easement in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) and the Land Trust of Napa County. This opportunity helps PUC students, faculty, and staff, as well as community members, enjoy this stretch of recreational nature.As the race organizer, Garrido received feedback from frequent runners, bikers, and community members that the openness of the trail enhanced their overall experience, as they did not have to worry about poison oak or maneuvering under or over trees or branches.Garrido and his wife, Isabella, frequently enjoy the trails because they allow them to feel close to God while decompressing from the stresses of everyday life and staying healthy. He specifically enjoys embarking on long mountain adventures and running ultramarathons, taking advantage of...

In May, Pacific Union College was ranked #7 for its bachelor’s program in nursing, with graduates earning a median annual income of $141,000. PUC's RN-to-BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and is designed to prepare registered nurses for leadership, graduate education, population health, evidence-based practice, and professional nursing roles in today's healthcare environment.This flexible 100% online RN-to-BSN program is designed for working registered nurses throughout California, enabling them to advance their education while serving their patients, families, and communities, and emphasizing compassionate care, critical thinking, clinical judgment, and service to diverse populations.“We are honored to see Pacific Union College recognized among the nation’s top bachelor’s nursing programs for graduate earnings,” said Tamara Tirado, PUC dean of nursing and emergency management. While salary is only one measure of success, this recognition reflects the strength of our fully online BSN program, the dedication of our faculty, and the exceptional commitment of our students.”Following the completion of the BSN degree, many graduates pursue leadership roles, specialty practice, graduate education, and advanced nursing roles, building upon their nursing knowledge through coursework in leadership, community and public health, research, informatics, and evidence-based practice.“Our goal is to prepare nurses...

On Sunday, April 19, Pacific Union College’s aviation program hosted its annual Air Expo at the end of Homecoming Weekend alongside the Angwin Disaster Airlift Response Team (DART), creating a well-rounded and enjoyable experience that brought students, faculty, staff, and community members together.This event featured a pancake breakfast and PUC club activities from the Black Student Union, Psychology and Social Work, SOL, business, and other campus clubs, which provided treats, snacks, and fresh meals. A local food vendor also sold homemade and authentic Indian food by popular demand within the community. The climbing wall was well-received as a popular activity by the younger audience as well. The aviation program takes pride in involving its students and other students across campus in its events to not only share the joy of aviation but also highlight the mission of service.This expo showcased a large selection of aircraft, some of which are owned by community members who keep their aircraft in hangars at the Virgil O. Parrett Field, bringing an exciting variety to the event each year. A highlight for many visitors was the discovery flights, offered in some of the department’s fleet. Other attendees enjoyed flying PUC’s new full-motion, virtual reality flight...

On the weekend of April 17 to 18, Pacific Union College welcomed 220 graduates and attendees across generations to engage in events, honor proud and successful alumni, and come together in worship– just like old times.Kickstarting Friday afternoon activities, alumni enjoyed the pickleball tournament alongside PUC students and alumni. Following the games, they were invited to attend a Pioneer Dinner, mingling and catching up with each other on their old stomping grounds. Welcoming the Sabbath during Friday night vespers was Dwight Nelson, former Andrews University lead pastor, evangelist, and author, who was finishing up the PUC Spring Week of Worship service that evening. His message directed students and alumni to be willing to pick up their own cross and to serve God on a larger scale, trusting in His will for them, no matter where they go.“Every year, I meet new alums. Incredible people with amazing stories. PUC created an amazing spiritual, educational, and social experience then,” said PUC President Ralph Trecartin. “I am inspired and reassured that we are building on a great foundation and carrying forward a pattern for current students of what the PUC experience is supposed to be. My pride for alums from 25, 50, or...

From April 13 to 17, Pacific Union College held its Spring Week of Worship service led by former Andrews University pastor, evangelist, and author Pastor Dwight Nelson.He passionately started off the week by sharing his appreciation for the beauty across campus. “This [place] is just absolutely heavenly. I love this college, your president, your professors, and I am going to get to love you. I can tell just by looking at you.”Kickstarting his sermon, he assured the audience that they are not alone if they feel deep hurt and don’t experience healing. “We are going to go to the cross five times together this week– Jesus says, 'Come to me, and I will give you rest.”Holding a blank death certificate, Pastor Nelson directed the audience’s attention to the reality of being issued this piece of paper if Jesus doesn’t come soon enough. He told a story of a 22-year-old student who passed away in a car accident, someone who had her whole life ahead of her. Life is not certain, but it does have a purpose, pertaining to why Jesus died for all of humanity. He then asked, “What killed Jesus? Three Roman nails? How about the centurion’s lance that...