News & Stories

Keep up with what’s happening

Here you'll find a collection of news articles and social media posts involving FPU's history and celebratory updates from the events for the 80th Anniversary. We want to share your FPU story! Use the hashtag #FPU80 and share photos, favorite moments and unforgettable experiences from your time throughout these past 80 years. Make sure to include a caption so we can repost your photos.

Standing in the Shade of Trees We Did Not Plant

It was 80 years ago this fall that a praying and faithful group of Mennonite Brethren planted FPU—then Pacific Bible Institute—in the fertile soil of California’s Central Valley. These early visionaries, many from immigrant families, valued education and desired a place on the West Coast where their children could grow in faith and knowledge. That first fall, the institute opened its doors to 28 students and five staff members...

blogs.fresno.edu

Looking Back, Looking Forward: A History of Fresno Pacific University

The sun shone September 18, 1944, when 28 students and their teachers celebrated the opening of Pacific Bible Institute at 1095 N. Van Ness Ave., in Fresno. With a stanza of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” class began under the auspices of the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren (MB) Churches. Eight decades later, the impact of Fresno Pacific University is felt through more than 28,000 alumni, 95% of whom come from California—most from the Central Valley...

blogs.fresno.edu

Three Students Tell Their FPU Stories

A school librarian looking for a new career. A student-athlete who came to run. A master’s student with a passion. Sound like a list of character archetypes about the college experience? They’re more. Amanda Garza, Rodney Chemalmal and Samantha Valencia are but a few examples of the range of students at Fresno Pacific University...

blogs.fresno.edu

Oaks planted for FPU’s 80th Anniversary celebration assert a strong future

Planting a tree takes faith—will it grow? Who will care for it? So the planting of three oak trees in honor of the 80th Anniversary of Fresno Pacific University is a statement of faith by today’s university community that there are at least another 80 years ahead...

news.fresno.edu

Stepping back to the early 1960s

Stepping back to the early 1960s with a glimpse of our campus entrance sign, we’re reminded of Fresno Pacific’s steadfast legacy of Faith, Wisdom and Service. Explore our journey over the past eight decades at 80.fpu.edu/timeline.

blogs.fresno.edu

As we continue celebrating 80 years

As we continue celebrating 80 years, we’re diving into the archives on this #FlashbackFriday! Check out this snapshot of students heading to class, captured between 1959-1960. It’s incredible to reflect on how far we’ve come. Want to take a deeper dive into FPU’s rich history? Explore our journey over the past eight decades at 80.fpu.edu/timeline.

blogs.fresno.edu

Fresno Pacific University celebrates 80th Anniversary with worship, song and sweets

Eighty years to the day after 28 students and their teachers began classes at Pacific Bible Institute, more than 400 students, faculty, staff, administrators, board members and guests celebrated the birthday of Fresno Pacific University...

news.fresno.edu

Fresno Pacific University celebrates 80th Anniversary with Faith | Wisdom | Service

This fall, Fresno Pacific University begins its 80th year of impact on California’s Central Valley and beyond. We invite you join us to celebrate our past successes and look forward to future possibilities for a Christian higher education that transforms people, families, communities and professions...

news.fresno.edu

Cheers to 80 years of Faith, Wisdom and Service!

Cheers to 80 years of Faith, Wisdom and Service! We're celebrating all year long, and we want you to be a part of the fun! Join us as we look back on our journey and look forward to an exciting future together. #80yearsatFPU

blogs.fresno.edu

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