Volume 1, Issue 5
Spring Greetings!
March is a wonderful month to be on Pacific’s campus. Our trees are just beginning to flower, the azaleas are dotting the landscape with pink and white buds. and there are daffodils bobbing their yellow heads along the edge of the green lawn that rolls down from A.F. Gray. I’m thankful for the reminder of God’s glorious creation unfolding all around us!
Of course, the season is also a fitting metaphor for the student lives we see blossoming in so many ways at this time of year! Midterms have just concluded, and students are looking ahead to the end of the academic year in just a few months. It’s hard to believe commencement is just around the corner!
I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of our graduating seniors and “Act Six” and “City Builders” scholarship recipients recently. These students have overcome tremendous obstacles to pursue their dreams, but thanks to supportive faculty, family, friends and donors to our program, are joyfully looking ahead to crossing the graduation stage. We are so proud of them — and all of our students who keep following the calling Jesus Christ places in each of their hearts.
March is also Women’s History Month so I am especially mindful of the many female students, staff, and faculty who have helped pave the way for our students today. In fact, it was 1939 that WPU (then known as Pacific Bible College) graduated its first class of students — it consisted of two women who received the Christian Education certificate. Today, more than 8 decades later, hundreds and hundreds of women have earned their starts through WPU. What a legacy!
If you are in the area, I invite you to come to campus and see for yourself how this time of year brings forth new opportunities to witness the love of God made new in our students, in our history, in our beautiful Mt. Tabor Hillside.
“They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.” Isaiah 44:4.
Brian L. Johnson, Ph.D.
President
Putting Faith Into Action
Prayer Walk
Pastor Lorenzo (Zo) Peterson led local pastors and community leaders on a special prayer walk through campus last week. Prayers were said for guidance on how we can continue to meet the spiritual and tangible needs of our students.
Creating Homes for All
What does it look like for 50 multi-faith communities to organize toward a horizon of housing and wholeness, so that all can thrive in Oregon? In late February, WPU got a chance to participate in that vision. Alumni Janelly Carranza, Alex Harris and Jeannie Whitten, current student Desire Nahimana and professors Chris Dela Cruz and Cassie Trentaz attended a workshop of more than 400 people sharing stories, hope and ideas for affordable and transitional housing for the community. Who gets to thrive in Oregon? All of us, when we come together.
New VP for Student Success and Engagement
Let’s give a big WPU welcome to Dr. Sabina Edwards, new VP for Student Success and Engagement. Dr. Edwards has 23 years of experience serving in all levels of education: secondary, post-secondary, and graduate, masters and doctoral levels. Her greatest reward was serving as a Business/Technology Education Teacher for grades 9th-12th and servicing the adult population through community education to assist in earning their GED at her alma mater, Burke High School. Her primary emphasis is teaching adult learners, supporting first year college student support programs, developing retention programs and serving as an advocate of student success, academic program completion and graduation. We are proud to have Dr. Edwards join our Knight’s Quest.
PGS Networking and Partnership Luncheon
Warner’s PGS (Professional Graduate Studies) Program played host this month to local businesses, schools and organizations—the first time since the pandemic. It was a time to engage, reengage, celebrate and share all that the program has to offer to adult learners. Kairos PDX, the Oregon National Guard, and the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber were among the partners represented. The PGS program has 230 students this year, including undergraduate and graduate.
Spotlight on Students
Scholar Dinner
Warner celebrated Act Six and City Builders scholarship recipients this month at the annual Scholar Dinner. These programs have been designed to create more opportunities for students to invest in their education and their community. At the Scholar Dinner graduating scholars are recognized for their accomplishments during their time at WPU. This year, we have 11 scholars (5 Act Six, 6 City Builders) who are set to graduate in May.
WPU Awarded Retention Completion Grant
WPU has been blessed with a grant of just over $50,000 to help students who are near completion and have exhausted, or are about to exhaust, their federal and state aid. The government emergency education grant is intended to reward student persistence and encourage completion of college courses. Fourteen students have benefitted so far, with more to be helped in the next school year.
Host Your Event at Warner Pacific
Did you know that you can host your event, staff meeting, sporting event, workshop, class or memorial service right here on the Warner campus? Venue spaces such as McGuire Auditorium, Egtvedt 203 and Schlatter Chapel are available for rent. Classrooms are available too. To find out more, follow this link: Host Your Event
Save the Date
Blood Drive: WPU invites you to help the community on Monday, April 10 for the Red Cross Blood Drive from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in Egtvedt 203.
Spring Commencement: Come cheer on the graduates as they embark on a new adventure. This year’s commencement will be held on May 13 at 10:00 am at Sunset Church, 14986 NW Cornell Rd in Portland.
Spring Athletic Schedules
Softball
What does a scholarship gift mean to Warner Students?
“A scholarship helped me to recognize my own academic achievement and potential.”
“A scholarship made it possible to pursue my education.”
“A scholarship allowed me to continue learning, meeting new people, and giving back to my community.”
“The scholarship reduced my financial need.”
“A scholarship made it possible for me to worry less about tuition and focus more on my studies.”
“The scholarship lifted a weight off my back!”
“A scholarship ensured I would complete my college degree.”