[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 180 (Tuesday, November 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF FRESNO PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2019

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Fresno Pacific 
University in Fresno, California on the occasion of its 75th 
anniversary. The university is a valuable part of the community and 
plays an important role in educating students in the Central Valley.
  Fresno Pacific University was established in 1944 as the Pacific 
Bible Institute in a two-story home near downtown Fresno. The school 
had 5 faculty members and a student body of 28. The college's 
leadership took it upon themselves to expand its campus and curriculum. 
In 1958 land was purchased to build a larger campus, a biblical 
seminary and a Mennonite Brethren Church. Beginning in 1961, the 
biblical college expanded to a two-year institution, Pacific College, 
and eventually a four-year program in 1964. In 1997, Pacific College 
would henceforth be known as Fresno Pacific University, with satellite 
locations throughout the Central Valley.
  The university has integrated five schools, including: School of 
Business, Natural Sciences, Education, a Fresno Pacific Biblical 
Seminary, and Humanities, Religion, and Social Sciences. They have over 
30-degree options, 40 programs, and more than 100 areas of study. 
Throughout its history Fresno Pacific has experienced tremendous growth 
that continues to this day.
  Past presidents that have helped the campus and the university's 
mission to grow have also left their unique mark. Samuel W. Goosen was 
named the first president in 1944. George W. Peters started in 1947 and 
introduced the importance of church missions. Reuben M. Baerg began as 
president in 1953 and was once an instructor in Greek and the Bible's 
New Testament. Bernhard J. Braun was named president in 1955 and was 
instrumental in developing the junior college curriculum for the 
university. Arthur J. Wiebe became president in 1960 and facilitated 
the transition to a four-year campus and increased the enrollment of 
students. Edmund Janzen began his tenure in 1975 and helped to expand 
the mission program. In 1985, Richard A. Kriegbaum was named president 
and under his guidance, the undergraduate program became nationally 
ranked. Allen Carden's leadership started in 1997, followed by Harold 
H. Haak in 2000. In 2002, D. Merrill Ewert became the 10th President. 
Pete Menjares started in 2012 and was followed by Richard Kriegbaum as 
he returned in 2014 to help serve one more time. Dr. Joseph Jones now 
serves as president for the university and continues to work to advance 
the university's growth and student success.
  With strong leadership, the last 75 years have been tremendously 
transformative for Fresno Pacific University. As they continue to grow 
and prosper, their values of faith, spirit, and innovation has allowed 
them to continuously evolve.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Fresno 
Pacific University as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. I commend 
Fresno Pacific for its 75 years of commitment to education and I wish 
the faculty, staff, students and alumni continued success.

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