Bob Paulson Selected for “Service Award”

Pacific Union College is proud to share that Bob Paulson, chair and professor of kinesiology, was selected by the SDA-HPERA award selection team for the organization’s “Service Award”. 

Those considered for this award must have a minimum of 30 years of service in the SDA education in the area of health, physical education, recreation, or related professions; contribute to church and community and their institution through campus leadership activities; and consistent active support of the Seventh-day Adventist Health, Physical Education, Recreation Association. 

Serving PUC students as a professor has been, and continues to be, an honor for Paulson. “We have fantastic, creative, and intelligent students at PUC,” shares Paulson. “Teaching is much more than the time spent in the classroom. When we care we try to interact in places like the Grind, Cafeteria, and of course Intramurals. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve our students in this community-building environment.” The students are what makes teaching at PUC so enjoyable for Paulson. “Playing a part in their growth and development is not only an honor, but it is clearly a lot of fun.”

The SDA-HPERA is hosting an award presentation at their national convention on Monday, March 27, in Seattle, WA. The convention planning team has asked Paulson to be the "James Hanson Memorial Lecture'' speaker at the convention. Dr. James Hanson was a faculty member at PUC for many years, and also was a visiting professor at Avondale College for 3-4 years. While at Avondale, he helped to create their academic programs in Health & Physical Education. Avondale named its Fitness Centre after him and PUC also named its pool after Dr. Hanson to honor his memory. 

When Dr. Hanson passed away, the SDA-HPERA wanted to recognize him for what he had done for the profession at large by establishing the James Hanson Memorial Lecture as an ongoing segment of its annual national convention program. Each year the SDA-HPERA has had an SDA educator with expertise in the field speak for this lecture. This year, the convention team has asked Paulson to be the speaker, which he accepted and plans to attend. 

“Teaching is always about the students, never about rewards or money,” said Paulson. “When colleagues take the time to let me know they appreciate the work I do it means a lot and I truly appreciate the gesture!”