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You've heard the higher education horror stories: all-night cram sessions, mass caffeine ingestion, Blue Book essay exams. But despite what your parents have told you, college is not all work and no play. Consider this alternate true life tale involving 25 relaxed undergraduates and a handful of English teachers.It was an open-mike gathering in the tradition of the beatniks. There was no tension in the candlelit atmosphere. People calmly sipped hot cider as poets, musicians, and soul daddies stepped up to perform. Who were these hip insiders? None other than members of Pacific Union College's Silverado Club.The Silverado Club is sponsored by the college's English department, and its activities are in no way limited to poetry readings. Previous endeavors have included trips to San Francisco's De Young Museum, come-as-your favorite-author theme parties, film discussion groups, theater outings, creative writing groups, and birthday celebrations for literary legends. Each year, the club is represented at PUC's Fall Festival (the theme of the most recent booth-- an Indian book bazaar complete with massages). The Silverado Club, in conjunction with international Honor's club, Sigma Tau Delta, also produces Quicksilver, an annual publication of student poetry and artwork. At PUC, you needn't tackle Shakespeare 474...

History professor Keith Francis is a key facilitator of PUC's celebration of Black History Month. Francis has been a co-sponsor of Beta Sigma Phi (a student club, also called the Black Student Forum, which organizes Pacific Union College's celebration of Black History Month) since coming to Pacific Union College from England in 1990.Francis, whose parents emigrated to Britain from Grenada in the West Indies, was born and raised in London. He earned a master's degree at King's College, London, and taught communication and history at Newbold College prior to coming Pacific Union College. Francis recently became chair of Pacific Union College's history department, where he teaches Christian history and European history. He completed his doctoral degree in church history from King's College in 1996. His thesis examined the influence of the Anglican church on Parliament in the early 20th century.Francis sees his role as a sponsor of Beta Sigma Phi as an opportunity to promote Christian education among Pacific Union College's constituency. "I've always been interested in minority recruitment, particularly black recruitment," he said. "This is a way I can recruit while still pursing my career as a historian."Francis, usually accompanied by members of Beta Sigma Phi, regularly visits the...

In your opinion, what are the best things about Pacific Union College?The scenery. It is remote, but not too remote. We are away from the city, and I like to be away from the city sometimes. I can see God's beautiful handiwork in all the nature around. I also like the people up here. The teachers are good. Everything! I like the whole school.Who is your favorite teacher?I have more than one favorite teacher. I like Professor Greg King. He has a way of coming in and talking about family experiences. It is like a personal relationship--which is important to students. I really like John McVay, because he's such a learned and brilliant scholar. Myron Widmer has a lot of experience in real-life ministry. This has given him a lot of wisdom, and I admire him for that. I enjoy Angel Hernandez's thought-provoking lectures. I also admire Keith Francis' wide spectrum of knowledge, in everything from history to entertainment.Do you find most of the PUC teachers to be helpful?Definitely. If you are having a problem in class, the teachers will notify you. Most teachers are concerned for their students. My teachers take into consideration my academic life and try to...

They have been "kaptivating" audiences for more than five years with their unique blend of sacred and contemporary Christian music. Sophomores Kathy Caraig, Kristy Caraig, and Amrita Rai are now learning how to use their talents on a larger scale.Kathy, Kristy, and Amrita, who have been friends since the second grade, started singing together "just for fun" as freshmen at Glendale Adventist Academy. "It was more of a hobby, something we loved doing," Kathy said.All three are members of the Eagle Rock Seventh-day Adventist church, where they gave their first performance for the church's renovated sanctuary dedication service in 1992.Eagle Rock Pastor Jim Pedersen said he was pleased when Kathy, Kristy, and Amrita started singing together. "I was pleasantly surprised that we had such talent here," said Pedersen. "They are very spiritually committed and are very good friends, too."After graduating from GAA in 1995, Kathy, Kristy, and Amrita brought their talents to PUC where they were soon dubbed "PUC's Freshman Trio."Actually, their real name is "Kaptivate," and their focus has gradually evolved from hobby to mission. "God has opened the door for us to proclaim His word through music," Amrita said. "We've accepted and we plan to make a difference."This...

Intensity filled the crowd as the Pacific Union College men's basketball team grasped a 77-76 home court win against the CSU Cal Maritime Keelhaulers on Saturday night, Feb. 8.The Pioneers and the Keelhaulers were neck-to-neck the entire match, and were tied 29-29 with 3:02 left in the first half. Pioneer guard Mario Perez banked a three-pointer to bring the Pioneers up 36-31. By the end of the half, PUC was leading 38-34.The second half brought more excitement to the court as Pioneer forward Bryan Patterson executed a three-point play. Perez followed with two three-pointers in a row. Pioneer forward Brett Graves got in on the action with another three-pointer which brought PUC up 52-40 and caused a Keelhauler time-out.With 9:58 left in the second half, Pioneer forward Rob Adams brought the crowd to their feet with a tip-in dunk off of a missed free throw by Perez. The Keelhaulers answered with three consecutive three-pointers from forward Mike Walker which gave them a 61-59 lead.Pioneer forward Matt Hickman got fouled and made both of his free throws, bringing PUC a 77-73 lead with :10 left in the game. The Keelhaulers came back with a three-pointer by Walker with :03 left ....