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Pacific Union College recently received a generous grant from the Johnson Family Fund of the Napa Valley Community Foundation. The donation, awarded on Sept. 23, goes toward the Utt Endowment.Students of PUC’s late, beloved history professor, Dr. Walter Utt, established an endowment to honor their former teacher. Officially recognized by PUC’s Board in 1988, the Utt Endowment raised money to complete the professor’s unfinished book, support a series of visiting professors, and build the recently opened Walter C. Utt Center for Adventist History on the PUC campus.Part of the grant from NVCF will be used to publish the results from the first scholarly conference held early this week at the Utt Center. The conference, titled “Ellen White for Today,” was enormously successful and attended by 21 scholars and administrators, including four former university presidents.Eric Anderson, a professor emeritus and former PUC president, said the conference focused on the historical context of White—Adventism’s “founding mother.” White’s home is a state historical site in Napa County. Conference participants discussed the significance of the Adventist experience in American history.Anderson expressed deep gratitude for the grant. “It highlights the potential of the Utt Center to promote research of value to Pacific Union College and...

After over 40 years, the theology department at Pacific Union College moved this summer from the basement of Graf Hall to the church offices. The change intends to highlight the central role of PUC’s faith, be more present with the students, and collaborate better with the pastors and chaplain. In 1982, the department moved to the basement of the oldest dorm on campus as “a temporary measure” when the front half of Irwin Hall was torn down. Irwin Hall had been the center of campus, so a basement hallway was quite a demotion. Over the years, PUC has explored ways to put the department back at the center of campus life for practical and symbolic reasons, but nothing panned out. Theology faculty recognized that a larger building project could be years away, and in the meantime, they wanted to seize every moment to serve students. When Lead Pastor Nate Furness invited them to share the church office complex with the pastoral team, the move made sense. “We are excited to have the college theology department sharing office space with the church pastoral team,” said Furness. “We believe that working in close proximity will enhance collaboration, church ministries, and student involvement. The Holy Spirit...

Pacific Union College hosted 80 students from 10 Seventh-day Adventist academies in September at the 33rd Annual Publication Workshop. It’s a yearly opportunity for student newspaper, yearbook, and video yearbook staff and sponsors to network, learn, and hone their skills.“PUC's legendary Publication Workshop represents a unique chance for high school and academy students to learn skills in photography, design, and journalism from world-class professionals,” communications professor Eric Graham said. “The ability to work hands-on with experts and develop skills that will make their school publications come alive is a special opportunity.”Professor of Visual Arts Tim de la Torre served as director of the workshop, held Sept. 10-12, for the third time, though he has taught at the event for many years. His goal this year was to find ways to fine-tune the workshop based on feedback from years past. “We feel like it’s getting to its final form,” he said.Along with de la Torre and Graham, other professors from PUC who presented included Chair of the Visual Arts Department Rajeev Sigamoney, Professor of Photography Brian Kyle, and Professor of Graphic Design Clifford Rusch—all people with extensive experience in their respective fields. On Monday morning, students attended lectures and training. Rusch...

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...

Pacific Union College is again among the top three colleges with the best return on investment for graduates with an associate degree, according to Payscale’s 2023 College Salary Report.Payscale’s annual salary potential rankings, released Sept. 27, are based on the surveys of millions of graduates nationwide from over 2,500 colleges and universities.Most of the highest-ranking colleges have strong nursing and healthcare degree programs. PUC ranked third on the list, just behind Helene Fuld College of Nursing in New York and Labouré College in Massachusetts. The median salary for a PUC graduate with an associate degree is $97,000.“This result demonstrates how valuable associate degrees from PUC can be long term,” said Lindsay Hayasaka, vice president for academic administration and academic dean. “They also open opportunities: moving into a bachelor program or heading into the workforce--where students know they will get an excellent return—are both attractive options.”A two-year degree program is often a more affordable option for students making decisions about a college education and financial aid. Payscale notes that choosing a college with a high salary potential could reduce student loan payback by nearly half.“While the perceived value of a college degree may be up for debate, this year’s College Salary...