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Students set things on fire. They studied cadavers. They explored marine life on the Pacific Coast. And they came away with an experience and friends that will last a lifetime. Pacific Union College continues to host its annual PacificQuest and PQ Rise summer camp series, which offers pre-collegiate students a hands-on introduction to the sciences.PacficQuest and PQ Rise are one-week summer sessions for curious and dedicated students who have a passion for STEM subjects and seek academic challenges while earning college credit. Participants engage in daily educational activities, enjoy recreational opportunities, and partake in team-building activities and evening events. This year, PUC hosted 30 students representing 19 schools from across the U.S., including Monterey Bay Academy, La Sierra Academy, Pine Hills Adventist Academy, and Calistoga Jr./Sr. High School. Aimee Wyrick, dean of PUC’s School of Sciences, said these programs are centered on the students—challenging them academically and allowing them to meet like-minded students and build social and team skills.“We offer students an immersive experience, propelling students far beyond the encounters in the typical elementary or secondary classrooms,” Wyrick said. “They learn to collaborate with one another, interact directly with college faculty, and get to know current PUC students who serve...

Pacific Union College held Week of Worship from October 9-13. Students led out in praise, sharing the theme song “Yet Not I But Christ Through in Me” with PUC Chaplain Arturo Lopez speaking to the campus. He spoke on topics such as commitment, uncertainty, and distractions- and reminded students that PUC is a community and place where they can reach out and ask for help. Lopez received the invitation to preach for Week of Worship right after becoming PUC’s chaplain. With two months to prepare each message, he jumped into it right away. Since the theme for the school year is “All In,” he focused on how Jesus can help break down the barriers that hold people from fully committing themselves to Him. Every day, Lopez took a Bible story that related to these barriers and challenged the students to let Christ be a part of their lives. “My main aim was to help students feel the Spirit touching their hearts and to reassure them that they're not alone in their struggles,” said Lopez. “I wanted them to understand that Christ is right there with them throughout their journey, whether things are going great or when life gets chaotic.”From Monday...

Pacific Union College selected 19 incoming freshmen as this year’s recipients of the prestigious Maxwell Scholarship. It’s the largest group of students to receive the award since the scholarship was created in 2009.The Maxwell Scholar Program honors PUC’s late president and first lady, Dr. Malcolm and Eileen Maxwell, and their dedication to Seventh-day Adventist education. Maxwell was the first alum to serve as president of PUC, and he had the longest tenure at 18 years.Maxwell Scholars are students with outstanding academic achievement, a commitment to Christian service, and outstanding leadership experience.Applicants must meet GPA and ACT or SAT score requirements. Application rankings are determined by a review of their resume, essay, and letters of recommendation.Maxwell Scholars are awarded $32,655 annually, renewable for three years with a 3.5 GPA and a potential fourth year under qualifying conditions.The 2023 Maxwell Scholars herald from California, Arizona, Colorado and Washington: Simon AbendanioLydear AngKiarra De LunaMakena DriverJune EoRut GonzalezNina GregoruttiJadan MartinezNeil NankaniKaitlin ObreroStory O’NealCal PatchinZachary RomeroJosiah Jordan SalazarMarc SalvoMichelle SaravanakuYaelle TanjuakioAlexis VillarrealMatthew Winokan PUC is proud of these exceptional Maxwell Scholars. Throughout this academic school year, profiles of these students, with a Q&A and photo, will be featured on the PUC Blog.Each year, PUC awards...

Pacific Union College hosted a brunch to benefit Paulin Recital Hall on Sunday, Oct. 22.Held in a private hangar at the college’s airport, Angwin-Parrett Field, the event featured fine cuisine from Napa Valley chef Chay Blancett and vocal and instrumental music by students, alumni, and faculty from PUC and Paulin Center for the Arts. There was also a silent auction.Kellie Lind, PUC vice president for alumni and advancement, said the event supported one of the jewels of the Napa Valley and was a resounding success. “It exceeded our expectations and brought in a significant amount of support from generous members of our local community.”As the nearly 100 guests from the Upper Napa Valley and surrounding areas dined, they were treated to the music of pianists Elena Casanova and Diego Mariano. Gabrielle Cortez and Adelene Bellah-Ramirez both enchanted listeners on their violins, Delia Bennett played her guitar, and vocalist Kaitlyn Nakanishi also performed.“We are so grateful to our committee, the owners of the beautiful hangar, and others who helped make this event a reality,” Lind said. “Your talents and support have not only contributed to the success of the event but also brought us one step closer to achieving our goals...

At a time when many institutions of higher learning are struggling to maintain their enrollments, Pacific Union College has continued to grow in recent years.This academic year, PUC’s headcount has increased from 884 to 930 students. It’s the third consecutive year of growth. While the trajectory may be modest, PUC is grateful, especially considering demographic challenges and a decade-long downward trend in student numbers. Furthermore, the college has made considerable strides in retaining its students. PUC maintains a nearly 90% retention rate for those who qualify to return for another year. President Ralph Trecartin said the continued growth is a testament to the hard work of the entire PUC campus community. “So many people at PUC have contributed to this effort,” Trecartin said. “We are thankful to God for His faithfulness and guidance as we continue to provide quality education for our students.”Gene Edelbach, vice president for enrollment and marketing, said several factors are responsible for this growth—PUC’s innovative vision, transfer student programs, and new graduate offerings. Among these, the introduction of associate to bachelor’s degree programs in nursing and the online MSN and MBA programs have collectively added nearly 200 students to the college.The associate to bachelor's degree program...