PUC is “All In” for The 2023-2024 School Year

Another school year has started at Pacific Union College. 

“All In” is the theme for this year that the Student Association has chosen. The theme reminds everyone that there is support in this PUC community and that working together can accomplish anything. 

New students were given a warm welcome on Wednesday, September 20, with coffee and pastries as they moved into their residence halls and family sessions to know what resources are available to them and their students. Pastors, faculty, staff, and the Student Association dedicated students and prayed for families at the PUC Church in the afternoon, followed by the president's welcome dinner to end an eventful day. 

Niq Ruud, director of student involvement, was in charge of running Fusion. Everything went smoothly as this was his first year running the program with the help of the Fusion leaders, who spoke highly of the incoming class. 

The Student Association organized events, such as facilitating an Olympics-style tournament between the 16 Fusion groups. Events included a tower building with uncooked spaghetti and marshmallows, a dodgeball, and a fruit-balancing race.

Fusion orientation week continued with a Pioneers pancake breakfast thrown by Director of Athletics Hernan Granados, athletic coaches, and student-athletes before new students had a filled day of worship, Fusion meetings, and orientations. 

Returning and transfer students moved back on campus on Sunday the 24th and enjoyed a food truck and lawn games to end the first day of school the following Monday. 

Ryan Smith, vice president for student life, welcomed the PUC community at Convocation on Thursday, September 28. Convocation is an opportunity for everyone to kick off the academic school year together. “This is a time for PUC to pray together, encourage each other, and support the mission of the college,” said Smith. In addition, Arturo Lopez was formally installed as the campus chaplain with his family present. 

President Ralph Trecartin embraced the freshman class by letting them know they have a big support system and campus resources that are useful for their personal well-being and academic success. “I’m so grateful for our community here,” said Trecartin. “And all the people who have shared goals and values that are focused ‘all in’ on our students.”