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David Burgess, a critically acclaimed Latin guitarist, performed Sunday, February 19, as part of Pacific Union College’s Fine Arts Series. Burgess, who has spent years abroad studying the musical traditions of Brazil, played pieces by artists Aníbal Augusto Sardinha, Raphael Rabello, Vinicius de Moraes, and Antonio Carlos Jobim. The concert became more than just a musical performance, as Burgess paused often between songs to speak about the composers whose work he played, as well as Brazilian music in general. Burgess performed the concert on a seven-string guitar—virtually unheard-of in the U.S., but common in Brazil. After Burgess finished the last piece on the program, he walked off the stage only to return a few seconds later to powerful applause. For his encore, Burgess played a piece written to imitate the sound of the berimbau, an African-influenced Brazilian string instrument. “He’s been really great to work with,” said Rachelle Berthelson-Davis, chair of the PUC music department. Davis was glad to have Burgess here, she said, as his music “speaks to something broader than traditional Western music.” She also mentioned that she thinks Burgess’ music will enhance this quarter’s world music class at PUC. Burgess has studied with a number of renowned...

On February 6, principals, superintendents, and education directors from throughout the western United States arrived at Pacific Union College for Education Days, an annual networking event for future educators. Organized by PUC’s education department, Education Days offers education professionals an opportunity to mingle with and interview teacher candidates from the education program at PUC. “Its an opportunity for graduating seniors to find teaching positions by connecting with potential employers,” says Tom Lee, chair of PUC’s education department. The event began on Monday evening with a dinner bringing teacher candidates together with potential employers in a personal setting. The candidates also continued a tradition of the Education Days banquet by giving brief presentations highlighting their reasons for teaching and the areas in which they are credentialed to teach. The following day there was a job fair allowing graduating seniors an opportunity to interview with hiring officials in a more formal setting. Attending this year’s Education Days were administrators from throughout the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Also in attendance were Napa County's superintendent of education, Barbara Nemko, and the director of education for the Seventh-day Adventist World Church, Lisa Beardsley-Hardy....

Pastor Paul Graham spoke for PUC’s Winter Revival, January 25–28. The theme of the four-day series was “Grounded in Love,” and Graham emphasized the importance of building a foundation in Christ. Being rooted in Christ enables one to look past the day-to-day difficulties of life and believe that God has already overcome, said Graham. Among other Biblical stories, Graham examined the parable of the prodigal son, likening the prodigal son’s venture away from home to the way one may venture away from God by choosing activities that are not pleasing to Him. Graham encouraged students to surround themselves with friends that will help—not hinder—one’s walk with God. After Friday vespers, Graham addressed a Q-and-A session in Scales Chapel. Student leaders had previously distributed index cards and pens in the lobby of the church for students to write any questions they had for the pastor. Many students submitted requests for guidance in their personal relationships. Graham addressed these questions directly, also taking questions from the students in attendance. The chapel filled quickly with students eager to find answers. Graham is originally from Brooklyn, New York, and currently serves as senior pastor at the Restoration Praise Center in Lanham, Maryland....

Pacific Union College held its first annual Service Day on January 20, 2012, by organizing a fair featuring service opportunities for students from local and international non-profits. The day aimed to inspire students to serve their world and showcased opportunities to put that inspiration into action.According to PUC Service Coordinator Fabio Maia, the idea was to create more volunteer opportunities for students. "We brought in non-profits in the area to provide opportunities students can signup for," said Maia. "But it's not just a signup list for them to be contacted at a later date. We wanted to provide real opportunities so they can start serving."Among the organizations at the fair were St. Helena Hospital and Rose Haven, the Napa Youth Advocacy Center, the St. Helena Family Center, and other organizations serving the Napa Valley. Alongside the local organizations were groups like Developing Communities Nicaragua, and Project Pueblo that showcased opportunities to serve outside the Valley. The mayors of Calistoga and St. Helena, Jack Gingles and Del Britton, were also present.Mayor Britton said he believes PUC contributes positively to the Napa Valley. "One of the nice things about PUC is its 'service first' philosophy," he said. "The advantage of a fair...

Pacific Union College held its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Remembrance Colloquy on January 12, 2012, celebrating the legacy of this civil rights leader ahead of Monday’s federal holiday in his memory. The program featured a presentation by Norman Knight, PUC’s outreach chaplain, entitled Beyond the Red Sea and highlighted the college’s diversity and its commitment to continued progress in the area. Knight focused on the message King would have had for young people on college campuses across the country were he still living today. Knight opened his address by reading the account in Exodus 16:1-3 where the Children of Israel were grumbling to their leaders. Knight used this as a springboard to weave a puissant narrative paralleling the civil rights movement with the struggles of oppressed people everywhere and the responsibilities that come with arrival in the “promised land” or an end to oppression. Knight discussed the movements of people standing up for their civil rights as springing from an innate human force which refuses to be suppressed. “It is always true that when you have one force dedicated to denying people their freedom and dignity, you will always have another force committed to ensuring liberty and liberation. The...