President Stephens calls students to meaningful friendship at FPU Convocation

The new academic year was officially recognized at Fresno Pacific University as Convocation was held on August 26, 2026.

Faculty, staff and returning students stood and cheered as new students entered the Special Events Center located on the FPU Main Campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno.

The ceremony began with Campus Chaplain Brian Davis welcoming new members of the FPU community. Davis reminded students that Convocation marked the beginning of a new journey for them.

"This journey will hopefully end with you, too, donning robes and caps as you meet Dr. Stephens in Selland Arena and he hands you your diploma," Davis said.

Davis then noted that between now and then there would be many books read, tests taken and friendships made along the way.

Student Government Association President Andrew Mora took the stage next and offered two lessons to students.

"In university you're going to learn that there's always a lesson to be learned," Mora said. "Second," he continued, "all the inspiration that you need today is to be reminded that you're here."

Mora encouraged students to remember they have already done the hard work necessary to be where they are at FPU and will be able to face the challenges ahead.

"Nothing is given," Mora concluded. "You've earned it."

Provost Alison Noble, Ph.D., next came to the podium and greeted all new staff and faculty who joined FPU during this academic year.

"Thank you for saying yes to Fresno Pacific," she told them.

Vice President of Marketing and Communications Becky Bradley then introduced keynote speaker FPU President André Stephens, Ph.D. She noted that among many things, Stephens is known for his visionary leadership and great compassion. "Simply put," Bradley said, "he loves God, loves our students and loves the work."

Stephens began his remarks by noting that FPU is in its 82^nd year and is welcoming over 1,000 new students across its undergraduate, degree completion, graduate and seminary programs.

Stephens reminded students to view their education as something intended not just for their own benefit but also for the benefit of others.

"What if you are here to earn more than a degree?" Stephens asked. "What if we understood that the university is not simply the place we acquire knowledge but the place where we learn the art of friendship? Friendship with God, friendship with one another and friendship with the disciplines that you study."

Stephens then encouraged students to pursue those three areas of friendship while on their academic journey at FPU.

"I believe friendship leads us to the kind of community that God wants us to become," he said in closing. "May this be the year of becoming good friends."

Michael Hammond
Director of Content Strategy & Media Relations
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