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John McVay, Ph.D., associate professor of religion and department chair at Pacific Union College, was named the 1996 Educator of the Year. McVay received $1,500 and a plaque of recognition for his devotion to the advancement of higher education. The Educator of the Year award, established in 1984, is designed to give special recognition to teachers who exhibit a number of important qualities. Selection for the Educator of the Year is a joint effort between the students and faculty. Three names are nominated by the student senate and reviewed by the Research and Honors Committee, who base their choice heavily on annual student evaluations. McVay was selected based on qualities such as his fine classroom performance and strong relationships with students, his encouragement of critical thinking and of an open mind, his concern about student growth - intellectually, spiritually, physically and socially, and his campus leadership and creative qualities. Linda Thorman, chair of this year's Research and Honors Committee, said, "The committee as a whole felt very comfortable with Dr. McVay in all the areas of qualification." Student association president, Shelton Hsu, gave a tribute at the ceremony saying, "[McVay] is real; he's a friend; he cares about his students;...

A new vespers option has been approved at Pacific Union College entitled Sunset Vespers, which offers an interactive environment centered around the discussion of religious topics and ideas. Lela Gilbert, a junior biology major, is the student who coordinated the new vespers option. Gilbert said that she first thought of the idea during winter quarter when she was discussing the need for an interactive worship option with one of her professors. "Because of it's size, the current vespers option does not give students the opportunity to interact in spiritual discussion," said Gilbert. "The new Sunset Vespers was designed to offer this type of worship environment." The vespers meets every Friday just after sunset and is worth two worship credits. The format involves a faculty member presenting an introduction to the topic of the evening, followed by open discussion amongst the students. Currently, there are approximately 15-20 students who attend, and Gilbert says the Sunset Vespers is "definitely meeting the needs of interaction and variety." John Collins, vice president for student life at PUC, feels that the new vespers option is a positive addition to the various study groups that meet regularly at the college....

On September 28, 1995, the island of Palau celebrated its first anniversary of independence. A beauty pageant was held as part of the festivities, and Hila Asanuma, a former Pacific Union College student, won the competition and was crowned Miss Palau. Asanuma, one of ten contestants, took part in the pageant's five areas of competition. First was the talent contest, where Asanuma performed a Tahitian dance. Then, contestants were judged in traditional attire, swimsuit, and evening gown competitions. After these proceedings, five of the competitors were selected to proceed to the final pageant area, where they each answered one question. Asanuma won with her response to a question about women's roles in the 90's. As the winner, she was awarded a $1000 cash prize, two round trip tickets to Bali, $500 in spending money for Koror Wholesalers, and various other gifts. Asanuma is currently busy with the duties that accompany her year-long title. As Miss Palau, Asanuma says she is a "role model to the youth." She has made many appearances at elementary schools and high schools in Palau, speaking out against drugs and encouraging students to stay in school. Asanuma is also eligible, with her title, to compete in...

Jennifer J. Wareham Best, associate professor of speech pathology at Pacific Union College, has been chosen to receive the Zapara Award for the 1995-96 school year. Qualifications for receiving the Zapara Award include spiritual credibility, concern for students, commitment to quality, student evaluations, and relationships with colleagues. Best received a $1,500 honorarium as part of the award. "We congratulate Professor Best for this well-deserved new recognition," says Charles Bell, vice president for academic administration and academic dean. Best, who has taught at Pacific Union College for nineteen years, was recently appointed chair of the communication department beginning with the 1996-97 academic year. She is currently chair of the Faculty Women's Forum and has also served PUC as chair of the Rank and Tenure Committee, chair of the Academic Senate, and coordinator of the Adult Learning Division. Best also organized and directed a successful English language institute in Beijing. The Thomas and Violet Zapara Awards for Excellence in Teaching have been presented for the past nine years at each of the twelve Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities in North America....

For the first time, PUC held its annual Senior Film Festival at the Cameo Cinema in St. Helena. Both of the June 3 screenings, which featured five short films written and produced by seniors in the film and television program of the visual arts department, were filled to capacity. Use of the local movie theater as this year’s venue allowed the students to showcase their work to a broader audience. Stephen Eyer, instructor in film and television, was excited about the festival’s turnout. “There is something magical about experiencing movies together as a community,” said Eyer. “It was great to see students, faculty, and staff from the college, as well as many local community members coming together to enjoy these stories.” Also on display was the program’s new 20-foot mobile production trailer, the brainchild of festival producer and senior film and television major J.R. Rogers. The trailer, outfitted with all the equipment necessary to perform multi-camera and off-campus shoots, was open to the public for tours. “People were amazed and astounded at what PUC has done with the film program and with the trailer,” said Rogers referring to the trailer as well as the numerous awards that student films have...