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Money, or the lack thereof, is a common concern to most Americans and often leads to problems such as anxiety, divorce, and stress. Everyone faces monetary issues on a daily basis, but many people have no clear-cut or workable financial plans. In fact, statistics show that eighty percent of all Americans have not even had one hour of financial education. The "Wealth Creation and Wealth Preservation" seminars, taught by Paul S. Damazo and David A. Roth, offer an educational opportunity on financial matters. The seminars, which will be held at the Pacific Union College Church, from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 14, 15, and 16, offer a Christian perspective on money management. However, the seminars are non-denominational and are open to anyone interested in participating. According to the presenters, the information is pertinent to "Busters, Boomers, and Pre- and Post-retirees ages 14 to 100." Special attention will also be paid to the financial issues facing engaged and newlywed couples, as well as students and single parents. Paul S. Damazo, the main presenter, is a noted businessman and philanthropist with considerable and profitable experience in both business and investment strategies. He has taught his financial principles to thousands over the...

What is murder doing on the campus of Pacific Union College? It’s all about theater as PUC’s Dramatic Arts Society performs an intriguing mystery entitled “A Jury of Her Peers,” November 30 and December 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. in the PUC Preparatory School Auditorium. The play follows the investigation of a murdered farmer, whose wife is held on suspicion of his death. As the investigators tear through the house for clues, their wives, through quiet observation, begin to solve the crime and the motivation for its occurrence. Written in 1916 by Susan Glaspell, “A Jury of Her Peers,” challenges the audience with thought-provoking questions about the different ways in which men and women understand justice. After the performance, the cast will invite the audience to interact with questions and discussion....

The Pacific Union College Symphonic Wind Ensemble presents an “American Salute” to the pioneers and soldiers of our country this Veterans Day weekend, Saturday, November 11, at 7 p.m. The hour-long concert will consist of a variety of well-known pieces. According to Ken Narducci, the Ensemble’s conductor for nearly 20 years, the concert is “a salute to veterans and an homage to the patriotic spirit of America.” This patriotism extends to the composers of the presented music, most of whom were born and bred Americans. One such composer is Martin Gould, whose piece is based upon “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” Similarly, a piece by William Schuman highlights the Revolutionary War song, “Chester.” The Symphonic Wind Ensemble consists of 45 members, including PUC students, and a few faculty and staff. This concert introduces two guest conductors, John Milholland, a staff member at PUC, and Casey Leach, a music education major....

Pacific Union College’s Rasmussen Art Gallery presents a thrilling journey to the ends of the earth in Jerry Dodrill’s photographic exhibition Outside Reality. From November 4 to December 10, experience Dodrill’s love of rock climbing and land exploration through his display of breathtaking color photographs. There are few places in the world that the eye of Dodrill’s camera has not seen. Man versus nature is displayed in full effect, as sheer cliffs and unexplored landscapes carry viewers to a previously unchallenged world. Dodrill also includes written experiences of the adventures behind the images. Dodrill graduated from PUC in 1997. As a senior, he saw his photography rise to national fame with a second-place in the 1997 Mumm/Academy of Art Collegiate Photography Competition. Dodrill’s work also caught the attention of renowned photographer Gaylen Rowell, who hired Dodrill to work at his Mountain Light Photography studio....

This December, Pacific Union College will launch the Christmas season with two days of music celebrating the season of Christ’s birth. Put on by the PUC Music department, the concerts will spotlight voices, strings, handbells, brass instruments, and an orchestra. The performances, on December 8 at 8 p.m. and December 9 at 4 p.m., will take place in the Pacific Union College Church Sanctuary. Highlighting each concert are two holiday favorites: Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria and Arcangelo Corelli’s Christmas Concerto. In addition, both PUC’s Brass Ensemble and English Handbell Choir will perform. ...

The Elmer Herr Adventure Series and Pacific Union College present "The Faces of Italy," a vibrant and personal travelogue by Dale Johnson. This film explores the homeland of many of the world's most brilliant and imaginative individuals, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo. Johnson's film reveals the intricate and rich history of this intriguing country fused with the energy of Italy today. The warmth of the Italians shines throughout this comprehensive tour of the memorable sites of Florence, Milan, Rome, and Naples. Let the locals take you to the Colosseum, the Forum, and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Join them in a gondola in Venice or at the Leaning Tower of Pisa....

The Elmer Herr Adventure Series presents an investigative travel film entitled Mystery Tales of Europe. This film was created by prize winning journalist Hal McClure and features four puzzling European mysteries set against the backdrops of London, Bavaria, Vienna, and Transylvania. We will visit the London Tower, possible site of the deaths of the "Little Princes." Were they really murdered by their uncle, Richard III? Bavaria is the home of fairy tale castles, several of which were built by the mad King Ludwig II. Was his death an accident or murder? The famous Vienna Woods are the site of an old mystery as well. Crown Prince Rudolph of Austria and his mistress were found shot to death in his hunting lodge. What really happened? Finally, we will visit Romania to investigate the Transylvanian legend. How did folk hero Prince Vlad Tepes Dracula become the fictional and famous Count Dracula? While searching for the answers to these historical questions, Hal McClure also shows us many of the beautiful and interesting sites of England, Austria, Bavaria, and Romania....

May the people praise You, O God; may the people praise You. -- Ps 67:3 The youth of today have been pummeled with accusations of tepid spirituality and terminal apathy. For a generation that represents the future, hope is said to have dissipated. However, these rumors are weightless, and the truth resounds louder than . . . an electric guitar? A little over a year ago, Daneen Akers, former assistant student chaplain at PUC, had listened to the frustrations of students who wanted to be involved in campus ministries, but had no suitable outlet. A group of freshmen, they were a new generation of young adults who had found spirituality in Christian rock bands. "They had musical talent and were on fire for God," says Akers. "So we decided to create an atmosphere where they could have the freedom to play whatever type of praise music they wanted." Students quickly formed committees and carefully sketched out agendas. Within a short time, they had made a Sabbath School program, and the worship meetings, aptly named Praise Project, became a regular event. Praise Project now welcomes 100-150 students each week. "Our main objective is to create an environment where people can get...

A slice of American history has found a home at Pacific Union College. U.S. Representative Frank Riggs recently donated his congressional papers to the PUC archives. The framed documents were ceremoniously presented at a luncheon at PUC in December. The contribution also includes official papers on CD-rom, along with Riggs' political and personal memorabilia. Most of the collection will be available to the public, although the details for display and accessibility have yet to be worked out. This is Riggs' second major collaboration with the college. Earlier this year, Riggs helped PUC with a community project, securing a $500,000 grant for the college's ground-breaking of the Napa Valley Community Resource Center. The center, to be based in Napa, will offer various courses to the public at reduced costs, in hopes of providing educational opportunities to a wide audience. Riggs called the project an "exciting new chapter in PUC as it continues its outreach to the community."...

On January 23, the Elmer Herr Adventure Series will present Europe's Small Wonders, a travelogue by Jim McDonald. This film features Europe's tiniest nations: Andorra, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein. Although these countries are often overlooked because of their diminutive size, each contains a fascinating microcosm of traditional splendor and modern glory. McDonald's presentation will illuminate the hidden enchantment of these miniature kingdoms. His tour will show ancient towers, ageless castles, charming villages, and towering alpine vistas. He will also explore some of the modern achievements of these nations....