2016

This coming weekend is full of plenty exciting events. If you are on campus or in the area, we invite you to attend the following events.PUC Volleyball GamePUC Pioneers vs. La Sierra University Golden EaglesFriday, October 14, 2016 2:30 p.m., Pacific AuditoriumSupport your Lady Pioneers as they engage in some friendly competition with the La Sierra University Golden Eagles.Fall Revival VespersPastor Michael B. Kelly IIFriday, October 14, 20168 p.m., PUC Church SanctuaryExhibition: Just Travlin’Mira WhiteSaturday, October 15, 20167 p.m., Rasmussen Art GalleryAn extraordinarily diversified and skillful artist, Mira works and teaches in several media—oils, acrylics, pastels, watercolor, and graphics. Her work demonstrates both her sensitivity to nature and a deep felt affinity for color in both mood and expression. She exhibits widely in the Bay Area and is represented in collections both in the United States and in Europe.Reception held until 9 p.m.; exhibit runs through November 5.PUC Volleyball GamePUC Pioneers vs. Providence Christian College Sea BeggarsSaturday, October 15, 2016 8 p.m., Pacific AuditoriumCome cheer on the Lady Pioneers as they play their 19th game of the season. Only five more matches remain until the Cal Pac semifinals.2016 Pioneers Invitational Academy Volleyball Tournament Championship MatchTBDSaturday, October 15, 2016 10 p.m.,...

The Pacific Union College Church sanctuary was filled with the sounds of energy and excitement as the Opening Convocation service began, Thursday, September 29. Administration and faculty marched into the sanctuary in full regalia during the traditional recessional while students, both new and returning, found their seats. Walter Collins, vice president for advancement and alumni relations, gave the invocation, asking God to bless the college and its students throughout the coming year, saying “May they find You here in all that they learn and all whom they meet. May You speak through our faculty, may You act through our staff, may You lead through our leaders, all bearing witness to Your loving grace.” A hymn of praise followed, then a reading of Romans 8:28. “Palladio” by Karl Jenkins was performed by the PUC orchestra strings, conducted by Dr. Rachelle Davis, chair of the department of music. PUC President Heather J. Knight gave the morning’s address, titled “The Purpose-Driven Campus.” She began with a brief history of the college, emphasizing it was founded with a very distinctive mission: “They Shall Be All Taught of God.” PUC moved to Angwin in 1909, and fortuitously, the first day of class was September 29,...

While many institutions around the country are struggling to diversifytheir campuses, Pacific Union College has been named the most ethnicallydiverse National Liberal Arts College in the nation, according to the newannual rankings of best colleges released by U.S. News & World Report. PUC has previously ranked second andthird in this category.“PacificUnion College in honored to be recognized as the #1 most diverse NationalLiberal Arts College in the entire country,” said PUC President Dr.Heather J. Knight. “We believe that we have achieved this exemplary level of diversitybecause we are privileged to be part of a dynamic global church whose messageis relevant and attractive to all kindreds, tongues, and nations. Furthermore,we highly prize our very special young people who are truly living out thevision of the Beloved Community as they study, worship and play together. Inthis diverse setting, they are also learning the essential skills ofintercultural competence and global understanding, which is so highly valued inthe workplace today. Therefore, we fully expect our graduates to go forth assuccessful peacemakers and light in the world.”The 2017 rankings arebased upon information submitted by colleges for the 2015-2016 academic year.For the diversity category, the ranking calculates the proportion of minoritystudents within the student body, omitting...

Pacific Union College welcomed 148 students and sponsors from 18 Adventist academies in the Pacific Union Conference for the annual Publication Workshop, September 6-8, 2016. The workshop offered school newspaper, yearbook, and video yearbook staff targeted, in-depth training to help hone their publication skills. This year, close to 50 different seminar classes were offered for both students and their sponsors. Students could take classes in specialized tracks for design, photography, writing, video journalism, and editors/leadership, learning how to utilize industry standard software like Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro, while receiving helpful tips and tricks of each profession. Classes ranged from typography to newswriting 101 to yearbook advertising. Sponsor classes were offered as well, such as advising from advisors, to learn the latest team management apps to help their publications run as efficiently as possible. Additionally, sponsors were given access to PUC’s newly remodeled visual arts lounge to network, relax, or just enjoy refreshments. Classes were taught by college faculty from the departments of visual arts, communication, and English. Industry professionals also presented sessions, including Carol Tilstra Nash, who currently serves as the marketing specialist for the Northern California Conference Office of Education. Several current PUC students led out in...

Pacific Union College and the Land Trust of Napa County have announced a joint effort to permanently protect, preserve, and manage 856 acres of forestland in Angwin, adjacent to the college’s campus. This forest is part of a larger ownership of land in the Angwin area held by PUC for over 100 years as an asset for its educational mission and is one of the most significant forests in Napa County. The Land Trust is working to raise the estimated $9 million needed to purchase a conservation easement under the Forest Legacy Program administered by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), which would preserve and protect 40 percent of the college’s land in Angwin and the majority of the college’s forest land, ensuring ongoing sustainable management of the forest into the future. The partnership is pleased to announce over $6.3 million has already been raised, in large part due to a $2.85 million grant from the State of California’s new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. PUC President Dr. Heather J. Knight said, “Our ultimate objective is that the PUC forest will be protected and preserved permanently and operated for the benefit of the college, its students, and the...

Ten pigtails of hair thought to be from seven mutineers of “Mutiny on the Bounty” fame and three of their female Polynesian companions will be analyzed in a collaboration between the Pitcairn Islands Study Center at Pacific Union College and the forensic DNA group at King’s College London, one of the world’s leading research and teaching universities. The Pitcairn Islands Study Center (PISC) holds the world’s largest collection of information about the 1789 mutiny on the British ship H.M.S. Bounty and its aftermath. Strands from the pigtails, currently on display at the PISC, have been sent to King’s College London for testing. As the pigtails purportedly date back to the pre-1800s, the King’s team will first attempt to extract DNA from the historical hair samples after cleaning the outside, and then digesting the hair matrix using a chemical process. Nuclear DNA is not found in hair shafts, only the roots which are not available here; however, mitochondrial DNA may be present. If sufficient mitochondrial DNA can be collected, the first step will be to investigate the ancestral origins of the owners of the pigtails. Herbert Ford, director of the Center, says, “If the tests and genealogical studies of this hair...

On Sunday, July 31, family and friends gathered at Las Posadas Ranch for the Jimmy J. Ha Endowed Scholarship dinner. The event, coordinated by the advancement and alumni relations office, celebrated the life of Dr. Jimmy J. Ha, beloved PUC professor, on what would have been his 48th birthday. Professor Ha passed away in 2010 following a heroic battle with cancer. Over 100 people attended the celebration, which featured a catered dinner, lawn games, and several musical selections, including a piece performed by Sophie Ha, the 9-year-old daughter of Jimmy and his wife Sonia. Many people gave generously to continue to fund the scholarship, with over $60,000 received in donations, a large part of which was matched by an anonymous donor. “Jimmy Ha left a lasting imprint on PUC. His love for the underdog, and his deep love for his students will always be remembered. His legacy continues to live on in the lives of the many students he touched, and those who benefit from his scholarship fund. We’re honored to further his impact on PUC through the loving care of his wife and PUC Board Member, Dr. Sonia Ha. Her leadership will ensure that Jimmy’s legacy is felt for...

High achieving middle school students were offered a glimpse of college life while attending Pacific Union College’s annual PacificQuest program, July 17-22. PacificQuest allows academically outstanding 7th through 9th graders the opportunity to collaboratively explore various curriculum, in depth, while earning college credit during the week long summer program. This year PacificQuest hosted 14 students representing 13 different schools from across the country, some as far away as Texas. This year’s PacificQuest theme focused on STEM, which is based on educating students in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students were able to attend classes, taught by PUC professors, on chemistry, mathematics, and computer science. Professor Kent Davis shared his love for chemistry, teaching students about molecules and performing his legendary demonstrations. The students enjoyed making good smelling aromas (esters) from a starting material with a terrible stench (butyric acid). Professor Chantel Blackburn designed a course where students learned about math using colors, shapes, and codes, saying “I introduced the students to mathematical topics of symmetry groups and coding theory which are typically encountered at the undergraduate level in a course like abstract algebra. I was impressed not only by how quickly the students grasped the concepts they...

Runners of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in the annual Pacific Union College Angwin to Angwish trail run on October 30, 2016. This year, the event features a half marathon and 10k race, as well as the ever popular 4k fun run. Early bird registration is open until August 1, and special discounts are available for PUC alumni, faculty and staff, and students. The Angwin to Angwish trail run was started in the 1970s and revived in 2013. Several hundred runners participated in the past few runs, and the race is expected to continue to grow. 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, on a rugged terrain that eventually leads to the infamous Angwish Hill. Awards will be given to the top male and female winners for both the half marathon and 10k races. Additionally, awards will be given to the top three finishers for both races in various age groups, by gender. For the 4k run, awards will be given to the top three finishers for both male...

Pacific Union College continues its strong international presence as one of the leading Adventist institutions participating in Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA). For the 2015-2016 academic year, PUC ranked second among the 13 Adventist colleges and universities in North America for the number of students per capita who studied abroad during the year, with 33 students studying at schools around the world. Through ACA, PUC students have the opportunity to study abroad at 12 international Adventist schools for a summer or full academic year. In total, 419 PUC students have studied abroad over the last 10 years; with the most popular destinations being Spain (143), Argentina (97), Italy (64), and France (53). Of the 419 students, 344 studied abroad for the full academic year, which places PUC as the third highest Adventist college or university in North America sending students abroad for a full academic year during the last decade. Graduating PUC students who have participated in the ACA program are given a distinctive stole to wear marking the time they spent invested in their host country (or countries). This year, 32 graduates from the Class of 2016 were recognized with these stoles, with two of the graduates having the special...