Monthly Archives: December 2018

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from PUC!

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The Christmas season is one of our favorite times of year here at the college on the mountain. Coming together as a PUC family to celebrate the joy of Christ’s birth, enjoy beautiful music from our students, faculty, and staff, and pausing to reflect on God’s generosity to our campus.

We asked faculty and staff across campus to share with us what blessings they are thankful for this year, and what they’re looking forward to the most in 2019.

What are you most grateful for this past year?

“As I look at the amazing blessings in my life this year, I am deeply grateful for the time I get to spend with my father. My dad is age 86, and he is amazing. He is such a blessing with every story he tells, every memory he shares. He lives only 30 minutes from my home, and he spends each weekend and Sabbath with us, telling stories and memories, dispensing wisdom and sharing his sarcasm and delightful sense of humor. He is a U.S. Army veteran and was a non-combatant medical corpsman in the service. He was a building contractor and an Adventist academy boys’ dean and was always the family resident camping expert as he led us on expeditions in the wilds. He is an example to me of a life well-lived. Oh yes, and now, he flies drones as a hobby using heads-up display goggles and revels in the struggle to learn new technology. He inspires me with his quest to keep learning, no matter what.” — Craig Philpott, director of admissions

“I’ll be cliché and say my family and my friends who have become my family (most of them I met as a student here at PUC!).” — Dana Negro, communications specialist

“I’m most grateful that my sister is now recovered and cancer-free.” — Dr. Steve Waters, professor of mathematics

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow. Grow alongside friends who like me are recent graduates, grow alongside family members and new family dynamics, and to grow alongside coworkers who are passionate to serve God through working at PUC.” — Mayte Jimenez, admissions counselor

“I am grateful to belong to a community that values and respects books and the exploration of ideas. I love that we have a community that allows and expects its members to keep learning and growing.” — Dr. Maria Rankin-Brown, professor of English

“Health, family, and friends.” — J.R. Rogers, associate vice president for student life

“I took a ceramics class from the department of visual arts during fall quarter, and I’m so glad I did. I’m grateful for learning a new skill and finding an artistic outlet that is very therapeutic and creatively challenging.” — Katy Van Arsdale, special collections and reference librarian

“I don’t know what I’m MOST grateful for, but I am VERY grateful for the ability to walk out my back door into the beauty of the back 40 and rejuvenate my soul.” — Tammy McGuire, professor of communication

“All the accomplishments and goals that I completed in the past year. Things I have done and the memories that have been made.” — Chris Romero, admissions counselor

What are you most looking forward to in 2019?

“I am looking forward to some travel in 2019. My wife and I are not yet certain exactly where a summer trip might take us, but that is half the joy, the planning, the ideas, the budget, the timing. It will certainly be a driving trip, and it will involve mountains and National Parks and back roads and dirt roads and likely some 4×4 back-country roads, and it will be a chance to see new vistas, take new pictures and recharge our souls.” — Craig Philpott, director of admissions

“Short-term I’m excited to give my niece her birthday present in January (it’s really good)! Long-term I’m looking forward to taking my puppy on lots of beach trips.” — Dana Negro, communications specialist

“I’m most looking forward to my summer Honors course that I’m teaching in London!” — Dr. Peter Katz, assistant professor of English

“I’m looking forward to reaping the fruits of my labor. 2018 was full of unexpected changes, and I trust that God works all things for the good and with that comes His provision. I’m genuinely really excited!” — Mayte Jimenez, admissions counselor

“I hope we get more rain. I’m looking forward to seeing how fresh the back 40 looks after a solid rainy season.” — Dr. Maria Rankin-Brown, professor of English

“To see what God has planned for PUC.” — J.R. Rogers, associate vice president for student life

“Travel! In 2018 I visited eight National Parks I’d never seen before. I’d like to match that number this year.” — Katy Van Arsdale, special collections and reference librarian

“Summer adventures in Colorado on foot and bike!” — Tammy McGuire, professor of communication

From the entire Pioneers family, may you have a blessed Christmas and a very happy New Year!

PUC Now Offering New Online MBA Program

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This year, PUC is proud to introduce the new Online Master of Business Administration program. The program can be completed in as little as one year (dependent upon the number of credits taken per term), and is tailored for working professionals. Three emphases are available: Accounting, Healthcare Administration, and Management.

Offered in collaboration with Southern Adventist University, PUC’s online MBA program is tailored to meet the demands of your professional and personal life. The program is 100 percent online and offers a flexible schedule with multiple start dates (residency requirements; open to California and Hawai’i residents only). Small class sizes offer personalized attention, and students can expect to learn and grow under the guidance of faculty with rich, real-world experience.

We talked with Victor Gaines, associate professor of business administration and the online MBA program coordinator, about why students studying business should consider obtaining their MBA, why professionals already in the workforce should consider going back to school, and what makes PUC’s program unique.

Why should someone be interested in getting an MBA?

The MBA is a post-baccalaureate degree that helps students and working professionals stand out among others in the marketplace and equip them with the necessary skills to succeed in the modern workforce and progress further in their professional career.

What are the benefits of an MBA in today’s society?

The MBA program takes what was taught in undergraduate courses and expands those concepts, allowing all types of students—from recent graduates to those who have worked in the field for some time—the opportunity to further develop the important business skills required for today’s job placement and to serve in positions of leadership.

Obviously, one of the advantages of PUC’s online MBA program is it will be taught from a Christian perspective. How will faith be integrated into the curriculum?

Faith is integrated into every part of this program. Students will be looking at business with a Christian perspective. This would include: ethics, human resources, marketing, and accounting, just to name a few. Each weekly assignment will ask students to look at business through the lens of their Christian faith.

PUC’s program is in conjunction with Southern Adventist University. Can you explain that relationship a bit?

Partnering with SAU offers students enrolled in the program a variety of positive opportunities with both their fellow students and program faculty. Working collaboratively in a diverse online setting allows students to continue to expand their knowledge and increase their career opportunities all while developing essential business skills of intercultural competence and global understanding, which are highly valued in today’s workplace. Paired with a Christian philosophy, graduates of the program will also benefit from studying and learning from other like-minded individuals.  

What are the requirements of PUC’s online program?

Students need the following:

  1. Admission to Pacific Union College (see admissions requirements)
  2. A baccalaureate degree (any major) from a regionally-accredited institution of higher education
  3. Submission of a graduate application that includes the following:
    1. online application form
    2. application fee of $40 (non-refundable)
    3. two recommendations (completed by work supervisors or undergraduate professors)
    4. official transcripts from all institutions attended
    5. a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
    6. official scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), taken within the past five years.
  4. Completion of the following courses at the undergraduate level with a grade of “C-” or higher:
    1. Introduction to Statistics (STAT 222 or equivalent)
    2. Microeconomics (ECON 265 or equivalent)
    3. Introduction to Spreadsheets (INFS 148 or equivalent)

Note: With approval from the department of business, applicants may be admitted without the GMAT if they have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 or if they have at least five years of full-time business-related management experience. Students who lack one or more of these prerequisite courses should discuss their options with the chair of the department of business.

The first start term is January 7. What are the other terms for 2019?

Summer Session I:  May 6th – June 7th
Summer Session II:  June 10th – July 19
Summer Session III:  July 29th – August 22
Fall Session: TBA

For more information about PUC’s online MBA, including program cost and application details, visit puc.edu/mba or contact Gaines at vgaines@puc.edu or (707) 965-6525.

Get to Know Pastor Rufo, PUC’s New Chaplain

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Joining Pastor Rufo in ministry to the PUC community is wife Anna, daughter Madison, and son Jadon.

By Becky St. Clair

Pastor Kent Rufo has accepted the call to be PUC’s new chaplain. He will be moving his family from Illinois over Christmas break and will begin serving the campus in January. During his 13 years of experience as a pastor, Rufo has served as lead, youth, and associate pastor, chaplain, Bible teacher, collegiate ministries director, and missionary. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Southern Adventist University in 2000 and then completed his MDiv at Andrews University in 2004. Rufo has experience leading prayer and Bible study groups, visitation, counseling, and outreach, among other ministry activities. He is currently serving as lead pastor at Downers Grove Adventist Church in Illinois, where he has been since January 2017.

We caught up with him as he begins figuring out the logistics of their cross-country move and says goodbye to his current church family, and now introduce to you: PUC chaplain Kent Rufo!

Tell us about your childhood. Where did you grow up, and what was life like there?

I grew up in northwest Ohio, in suburbs south of Toledo. My father is from the Philippines, yet the town we moved to was predominantly white. Originally the neighbors weren’t so sure about having an Asian next door, but as the years went by we made some really good friends in that neighborhood. So I’m excited to be moving to a place known for its friendly community and look forward to getting to know our new neighbors.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was a kid I wanted to be an NBA player. Being that my father is 5’6” and my mother is 5’4” my odds of becoming a professional basketball player were small. Growing up it was assumed I would go into the medical field, preferably a doctor of medicine. I had thoughts of medicine until college.

When did you first feel the call to become a pastor?

I don’t know if I really “felt” the call to ministry at first. I knew I wasn’t going to medical school but wasn’t sure what was next. I prayed for a “fleece” and 3 people said I should go to the Seminary … all in the same day. I went. I never interviewed with a conference yet one person from Mountain View Conference called me to ask if I’d like to teach and preach. They were looking for a bi-vocational pastor who could teach full time and minister part-time in a college town. Until this day, I have no clue how he got my name. Since I accepted that call, the Lord has clearly opened up ministries for me and my family.

You served as a missionary in Korea for two years; what was something significant you learned during that experience?

Easy question: The importance of studying the Word! My Korean counterpart had just graduated from the Seminary and shared Bible study tools. I will forever be grateful. I also had the chance to read the Great Controversy and the Desire of Ages (twice). It transformed my life. I also learned about the power of prayer.

So how much Korean did you learn?

“Chogum.” That means ‘a little.’ Every day I remember less. I was never fluent but I could get around.

Your passion in ministry seems to be young people. What inspired that?

Actually, I feel the way God created me was with “strengths” in relationships. I’m not a big-show personality and I believe in authentic relationships. I think I’ve just felt I can be honest with young people and that seems to connect. This drives me. I also believe we have not challenged our young people enough. When I was growing up it was enough to just “keep our kids Adventist.” Obviously, that wasn’t enough. I have a passion to see a group of young people study the Word, pray with huge results, and change their worlds.

Speaking of keeping young people in the church, tell us how you plan to be a part of that effort by working with the young people at PUC.

Jesus was not about keeping people in the church. In John 6 he actually says something he knew would make many leave his side: He wants to challenge people, young and old, to commit to his cause. It means sacrifice, but it also means to expect God to do powerful things through them. I’d really love to see how students take hold of a vision and run with it. If the Spirit is leading, it CANNOT fail.

What made you decide to accept this position and come out here to California?

My wife is still asking me this question. She said she would NEVER move to California. Seriously, though, it is the calling to minister to collegiate-age students. Empowering students to start impacting their community now, rather than after graduation, is one of my main passions.

What are some methods you use to stay in tune with what young people need and want in their spiritual lives, even as times change?

Listening. That’s really it. I can’t keep up with everything new: methods, pop culture, media. The principles of scripture transcend time and changes. Most of what I can do is listen. Oh, I do like to read about ministry models, too, but they are not my “gospel.”

What is one of your favorite spiritual quotes and why is it meaningful to you?

One of my favorite Bible verses is John 16:33 which states, “I have told you these things so that in me you might have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I love this verse because it reminds me that no matter what my world looks like he’s already won!

Outside of scripture, one of my favorite authors is Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. He states, “God is either of no importance, or of supreme importance.” I think the world is looking for authentic Christians. The reason people are turned off by Christianity is that there is a lot of hypocrisy and mediocrity.

What are some books you recommend to young people?

Outside of the Bible, I’m a believer in “The Desire of Ages.” I love that view of Jesus. As for the power of prayer, I recommend “The Circle Maker” by Mark Batterson.

Tell us about an important spiritual mentor you had as a young person, and how their mentorship has influenced your own.

To be honest, when I first became a Christian, my biggest spiritual mentors were other college students: Chris Bullock and Teofilo Matos. They prayed for me. They showed me how to walk with Jesus. This all stemmed from our friendship and desire to change the world around us. I think that is why my heart is in Christian community and challenging the status quo.

How can the community you serve (that’s us!) support you and your family as you strive to support our students?

Gift certificates for a local massage therapist. Ha! Just kidding.

I think my family is just looking to be part of the community. Oh, both my wife and I worked as baristas at a coffee shop so we do like some good coffee every once in a while. (Hint, hint!)

Tell us more about your family!

My wife, Anna, is originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She graduated with an elementary education degree but doesn’t feel full-time teaching as her calling. She’s been a teacher, teacher’s aide, administrative assistant, assistant community service coordinator, and a rockin’ wife. It’s important to her to be involved, but only behind the scenes.

My daughter, Madison, is 10; she loves people and wants to be around them at all time. My son, Jadon, is seven; his shell is a little harder to crack, but once he opens up—especially about superheroes—he slowly warms up to people. My wife is like my son.

What are some of your hobbies and interests? What will we find on the walls of your new office on campus?

I’m not really the biggest decorator, but I love being Filipino so you might find a Filipino flag. I do like sports and to work out. I am a Cleveland Browns fan, too. Go Cleveland! (Hey, a Cleveland fan is a loyal one, though we don’t win too often.)

Meet PUC’s Transfer Student Counselor

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Please join us in welcoming Kharolynn Pascual Smith to our admissions team! Kharolynn has many years of experience in Adventist education and has worked as a teacher, registrar, and academic advisor. Most recently, she worked at the Napa Christian Campus of Education and the Office of Education at the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

To help introduce her to our PUC family, let’s get to know Kharolynn!

You have a lot of experience in the education field. How do you think that will translate into being a great transfer student counselor?

There are obvious parallels to the skillset I used as a teacher and registrar, such as knowing how to create and execute plans and analyze a transcript. Beyond that, I have a heart for students and believe cultivating relationships is key in helping them succeed. Taking the time to know about a student’s history and goals was critical for me to be able to facilitate learning opportunities and understand what resources were needed. I see this as a valuable component to working with transfer students. There’s a story behind why they’re not coming to PUC straight out of high school, and whatever it is, I want to be a helpful resource as they transition to this step in their educational journey.

You’ve lived in the Napa area for a while. What is your favorite place to eat in the area? Favorite place to shop? Favorite place to relax?

There is so much great food across the valley, it’s hard to pick only one! My go-to in Napa is Il Posto Trattoria—tasty food, friendly and professional service, and I don’t have to save up for months to eat there.

I enjoy the adventure of discovering fun stuff I didn’t know I “needed” at HomeGoods, as well as the convenience of online shopping from home.

Getting a facial at Glow Skin & Body Care is quite lovely and relaxing.

What advice would you give to someone questioning whether a college education is worth it?

I would talk to them about their passion and purpose, then encourage them to pursue the education that would put them on the path to fulfilling those. I think education of any kind is an investment in yourself, so whatever type is necessary to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and experience to prepare you for whatever you are called to do is worth it.

What are you looking forward to the most working at PUC?

I find it both personally and professionally gratifying to contribute to a person’s success story, even in a small way. I have witnessed as many types of success as there are students, and I love seeing their satisfaction and pride when they accomplish what they set out to do. I’m excited to be part of the network of support that helps students live their dreams.

What inspires you to work in the field of Adventist education?

I’m biased, but I believe Adventist education is the most important and impactful ministry of the SDA Church. In her book Education, Ellen White wrote, “Love, the basis of creation and of redemption, is the basis of true education.” (16) I’m inspired by the Gospel of Grace and feel privileged to participate in a global learning community that values the importance of “true education.” Ideally, Adventist education fosters whole person development within the framework of redemption—the restoration of humanity to what God created us to be: in a love relationship with Him that motivates us to share His love with others. That relationship informs every aspect of the life we choose to lead—values, relationships, beliefs, career— because of the way God calls us to live: to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Adventist education at its best helps prepare students for this life of discipleship.

What was the last book you read?

I often have a few books going at the same time, but recently finished The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt, and End-Time Events and The Last Generation by George R. Knight. Both of them have ideas I’m still pondering.

What book would you recommend to a college student? It can be educational or just a good read.

The teacher in me wants to recommend something edifying, but for an escapist brain break, I like fiction that ranges from David Baldacci’s thrillers to Jodi Picoult’s novels exploring contemporary ethical issues. Perhaps the compromise is biographies and memoirs because I’ve usually gleaned something valuable from the life experiences of others, whether or not they are people I admire.   

What was your favorite class in college?

College was more than a few years ago for me, so I primarily remember favorite professors even though I wouldn’t count some of their classes among my favorites. Religion and Society from Charles Teel (a PUC alum!) made a lasting impression on me in terms of my understanding of what Christians are called to be and do in the world.

What’s something people may be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a procrastinator by nature, but I’ve learned the necessary disciplines of effective time management and organization. I used to tell my students those were among the most valuable life skills they could learn and I was living proof it is possible.

What are some of your hobbies?

I appreciate hobbies that involve creativity of some kind, like music, theatre, baking, and fiber crafts. It’s a bonus if they can be combined in some way. I also occasionally binge-watch Netflix.

If you’re interested in transferring to PUC, Kharolynn is ready to assist you! Call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email admissions@puc.edu to get connected with her now, or to learn more about the transfer admissions process.

Tips for Surviving Winter Quarter

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Even here in sunny California, the winter months can seem a little long. With shorter days and cooler temperatures, it’s important to take some time for self-care. From one PUCite to another, here are some pro-tips and products to help you make it to spring!

  • Surround yourself with photos of friends and family.
  • Use less harsh lighting. Swap out your light bulbs for these indoor sunshine bulbs from Amazon.
  • Decorate your dorm room with candles. Target has a great battery operated option.
  • Get yourself a desk plant. Succulents are very popular and don’t take a lot of upkeep.
  • Make your room comfortable with extra pillows and blankets. Grab a plush toy even!
  • Invest in blackout curtains or a sleep mask to make sure you get some real rest.
  • Hang some Christmas lights up. Don’t bother undecorating after the holidays either, just leave them up for a little ambiance!
  • Use a diffuser with different essential oils. My personal favorites are lavender and rose.
  • Make sure to have hot cocoa mix and throw in a festive mug or two. My personal favorite is this Star Wars porg mug.
  • Stock up on Airborne, Zicam, and Emergen-C to fight off any bugs.
  • Pick one show you can watch weekly (or nightly) for a much-needed break.
  • Pack your cupboard full of microwaveable popcorn for a healthy-ish late night snack.
  • Chamomile tea helps with sleep and improves cognitive functions during the day, so have some on hand.
  • For a little extra quiet, have earphones for your study music and earplugs to help you sleep. There are cheap versions of each at places like Target, but Flare Audio ones have some outstanding reviews.
  • Remember even in the most stressful times, there is always a friend, resident assistant, dean, chaplain, or a professor who would be happy to take a few minutes to talk and pray with and for you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to someone when you need some extra support.

These are just 15 simple ideas and products I personally find helpful. But don’t just take my word for it, ask friends and family and start your own list.

PUC in Pictures: Fall 2018 Edition

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With the close of another amazing fall quarter here at PUC, we’re taking a moment to reflect back on some of the many great moments over the past few months that made this quarter unforgettable.

Remember—You can follow PUC on Instagram and browse through some of our hashtags for a closer look at student life at PUC. #PUCNow and #PUCAdventures are good places to start!

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We’re looking forward to 2019 and can’t wait to see what it has in store for all of us at PUC! Enjoy your holiday break and we’ll see you in January!

#FacultyFriday: Meet Jean Sheldon

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Dr. L. Jean Sheldon has been with PUC for an impressive 23 years, a stalwart professor in the department of theology. Her area of doctoral study is the Old Testament and ancient Mesopotamia. Previously, she worked as an instructor of religion at Hong Kong Adventist College and as a graduation analyst for PUC. She is known for her writings, and gardening, music, and cat psychology.

For the last #FacultyFriday of the year, let’s spend some time getting to know Dr. Sheldon!

Name: Dr. Jean Sheldon
Title: Professor of Old Testament
Email: jsheldon@puc.edu
Faculty since: 1995

Classes taught: Honors: Engaging Scripture, Women & the Bible, Holistic Living, Christian Ethics in Society, Books of Moses, Babylon & the Bible, Intro to Christian Ethics, God & Human Suffering, Kings & Conquest, Psalms & Wisdom Literature, Biblical Ethics

Education: B.A. from Andrews University, 1982; M.A. from Loma Linda University, 1984; Ph.D. from Graduate Theological Union and University of California, Berkeley, 2002

What made you decide to be a teacher?

1) Impromptu leading my academy freshman class in discussion when the other members of my group refused to help with making the presentation. 2) God’s call and anointing to be a theologian. 3) God’s leading in that direction.

What are some of your hobbies?

Research, writing, gardening, singing, cats

What’s your favorite thing about PUC?

The natural setting—the back 40; and the freedom I have here to teach about God.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

The prayer chapel

What’s your favorite song?

“Be Still My Soul”

What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?

Take time for God and nature.

Professional activities (Note: Only presentations and works published most recently are listed)

June 16, 2018 – “Wrong Time but Move Forward!” Baccalaureate address, Pacific Union College.

October 13, 2017 – “Divine Anger in Ancient Mesopotamia and the Hebrew Bible.” Presentation for the Character of God Conference. Garden Grove SDA Church, Garden Grove, California.

October 13, 2017 – “Babylon and the New Jerusalem.” Presentation for the Character of God
Conference. Garden Grove SDA Church, Garden Grove, California.

August 5, 2017 – “God’s Violent Acts.” Presentation for a regional chapter of the Association of Adventist Forums, Orlando, Florida.

August 5, 2017 – “The Conquest of Canaan.” Presentation for a regional chapter of the Association for Adventist Forums, Orlando Florida (Sermon at the University Church).

August 4, 2017 – “Two Kinds of Relationships: A Canonical Critical Study of Old Testament Covenants.” Presentation for a regional chapter of the Association for Adventist Forums, Orlando, Florida.

General Publications

Over 20 articles for such publications as Spectrum, Signs of the Times, Adventist Review, and Insight since 1973.

“No Longer Naked and Ashamed: Discovering That God Is Not an Abuser.” Parker, CO:
Outskirts Press, 2009

“Chasing Heaven to Avoid Hell,” Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1984
Reprinted in Heritage Series, 2012.

“Ribbon of Lies, Knife of Truth,” Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1982.
Reprinted in Heritage Series under new title: And God Cried Out, Why This Suffering?, 2017

“Sharing Jesus,” Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1980
Reprinted in Heritage Series, 2014

“Sabbath School Teacher’s Aids for Ephesians” (1st Quarter, 1986)

Student Clubs at PUC

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Members of the Biology Club at the Welcome Back party this past September.

By Sarah Tanner

From academic to civic to cultural clubs, PUC promises a space for all interested students. With over 15 organizations on campus, and a growing number each year, any student looking for a place to connect with those who share their passions is sure to find a group that is right for them. A conversation with a number of club presidents and members highlighted a handful of the clubs at PUC.

Vietnamese Student Association

Andrew Dang, president of the Vietnamese Student Association, explains his club creates a welcoming environment for Vietnamese students who want to strengthen ties to their cultural background.

“Our main goal is to preserve Vietnamese culture,” he said. “We want to celebrate our Vietnamese heritage, traditions, and values, with each other as well as with everyone interested in learning.”

Dang notes the club is open to students looking to learn more about the Vietnamese culture and welcomes all interested. He adds, “We aim to host events where students can come together as a family and take a break from the worries of school and enrich themselves in everything our culture has to offer.”

Get involved: Email Andrew at addang@puc.edu.

SPARK

SPARK stands for Science Presentations and Research for Kids. This club focuses on making science fun and accessible for students of all ages.

Member Emma Tyner notes, “We aim to excite students about the sciences, especially biology and chemistry. As a club, much of what we do centers on going out into the community, visiting schools, and bringing science to life for students from elementary to high school.”

One of the ways they achieve this is by bringing live animals in to supplement their biology presentations. They also carry out step-by-step chemistry experiments in order to give younger students a hands-on experience with science.

Get involved: Email Emma at eetyner@puc.edu.

Thaumatrope

The mission statement of Thaumatrope, PUC’s community service club, cites their goal is, “transforming the young adults of today into catalysts of change for tomorrow through global awareness, service toward others, and realization of God’s purpose and passion for their lives.”

According to member Victoria Gabardi, Thaumatrope also strives to “spin our communities into one through mentorship, local work, and global service.”

Thaumatrope strives to help willing students become involved on campus, in local areas, and, ultimately, in the global community through volunteering.

Gabardi explains, “We help advertise events like volunteer health clinics, and organize others such as pre-vespers, Service Sabbath, and service visits to local retirement homes and schools, among others.”

Always looking for a new opportunity to serve, Thaumatrope is also planning a coat drive this winter, and are working to organize useful aid for the people of Paradise whose homes were lost in the fire.

Get involved: Email Victoria at vjgabardi@puc.edu.

Biology Club

The Biology Club was created with science majors—particularly those interested in the biological sciences—and the outdoors in mind.

Club president Tony Robles explains, “PUC is such a beautiful location to study nature, as we have our own forest within walking distance. The Biology Club wants to not only get its majors together for events but also hopes to make everyone aware of the many great ways available to explore the outdoors.”

The club organizes an annual trip to Albion, day trips to the coast, hikes in the Back 40, and pre-vespers. New this year is a trip to the Academy of Science Museum in San Francisco.

Get involved: Email member Lily at litran@puc.edu.

Climbing Club

The Climbing Club is a relatively new addition to PUC’s campus organizations.

“The reason we created this club is to encourage a climbing community at PUC,” explains Reuben Dick, club president. “As my own climbing skills and experience has grown, my friends and I felt as though our campus lacked a climbing community, despite the fact that PUC has access to great climbing areas. As a result, we took it upon ourselves to create this club to foster both veteran and beginner climbers.”
 The club also worked to establish the climbing wall at the college.

“Because of our efforts and the hard work of many people here on campus in the past few quarters, we are happy to announce the wall opened on Sunday, Dec. 2,” Dick says.

Guided climbing trips to teach beginning climbers, activity nights at the new wall, pre-vespers, and movie nights are just a few of the activities this group has planned for the year. Dick notes no climbing experience or equipment is necessary, and all are welcome.

Get involved: Email Reuben at rjdick@puc.edu.

Mountain Biking Club

Like its sister, the Climbing Club, the Mountain Biking Club is a new club and another opportunity for activity at PUC.

“The goal of the Mountain Biking Club is to help people get outside and enjoy nature while participating in an exciting sport,” member Alex Nelson explains. “At PUC, we have over 40 miles of very high-quality bike trails both on PUC property, as well as in Las Posadas and the Palisades.”

The Mountain Biking Club creates opportunities for beginners with little-to-no mountain biking experience to be introduced to the sport under the guidance of more experienced cyclists. Likewise, no gear or prior knowledge is required before joining.

Nelson continues, “So far we have held two group rides, and it was a great time! We had roughly ten riders of varying skill levels, and we explored the trails of the back 40.”

More exciting Mountain Biking Club events will be announced throughout the year.

Get involved: Email Alex at acnelson@puc.edu.

SOL Club

One of PUC’s many cultural groups, SOL Club stands for Student Organization for Latinos. SOL’s influence is wide-ranging, as they contribute to worship services, student events, and many other areas of campus life.

President Amy Ramos explains, “Our mission is simple: to provide opportunities for students to celebrate and showcase our rich culture.” She continues, “Some SOL Club activities include pre-vespers, La Capilla, potlucks, an Albion retreat, and the SOL Club banquet, among many others. Additionally, we enjoy partnering with local churches and non-profit organizations to better reach out to the community.”

SOL Club strives to create a positive impact not only in its member’s lives, but also on the PUC community as a whole, and the organization welcomes all students who want to make a difference on campus.

Get involved: Email Amy at alramos@puc.edu.

PUC offers a wide and ever-expanding variety of clubs that provide unique opportunities for students to involve themselves in campus life. Membership fees depend on each group individually, and some clubs do not require any payment. However, for those clubs that include membership dues, free t-shirts are given to all members. Anyone interested in joining one of PUC’s clubs is welcome to speak with any of the members or presidents listed above, as all groups are happy to accept new members throughout the year.

5 Things You Might Not Know About the PUC Cafeteria

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By Sarah Tanner

Run by Bon Appetit, PUC’s Dining Commons features a wide array of sustainably sourced products. While most students are aware it serves 100 percent vegetarian meals, there remain a number of less well-known, but still exciting factors that truly make the PUC cafeteria shine. In a conversation with Allen Plouffe, the Dining Commons’ general manager, we learned a little more about those things that set PUC’s cafeteria apart from the rest.

In addition to showcasing an entirely vegetarian menu, the Dining Commons at PUC also features daily vegan and gluten-free options. In order to best serve students with dietary needs, restrictions, or simple health preferences, the cafeteria features a rotating variety of meals designed specifically with student wellness in mind. They also promise sustainably sourced and local products on each plate.

Plouffe explained Bon Appetit’s strategy, saying, “The company goal is to purchase at least 20 percent of all our food within 150 miles of our location.”

Utilizing local farmers and producers is vital to achieving this aim, and Plouffe notes, “We also directly purchase from several local companies. One of these is F.E.E.D. Sonoma right here locally, and NextGen Foods, which supplies all of our rice, which is grown locally and based out of West Sacramento. We also recently partnered with The Fruit Tree which is an Adventist company based in Alameda. They produce green smoothies that are sold in the Grind.”

Sustainability is also a major concern for the dining commons, and Bon Appetit is currently working toward providing all starch-based utensils, and is in the midst of becoming Food Recovery Certified, meaning the Dining Commons will be able to donate leftover foods instead of simply throwing them away. Currently, all straws and cups available in the cafeteria are biodegradable.

Another unique aspect of the PUC cafeteria is its dedication to providing several options for each meal. A daily taqueria cart offers classics including tacos, burritos, and haystacks. Likewise, “global” options feature a variety of cultural specialties, and the daily “exhibition” spotlights different student favorites each night of the week. Likewise, a full salad bar, two soups, as well as regular baked and sweet potatoes are offered every day. All meals are available as “to-go” options, allowing students on the run to still eat whole and healthy meals.

In addition to the daily specials, this year the Dining Commons is offering a Wednesday night “80 at 8” which offers favorites including Impossible burgers, street tacos, quesadillas, and southwest grilled cheese. This event sells up to 80 tickets for each meal, which can then be picked up at 8 p.m. outside the Grind. Another exciting plan available this year is the “Love From Home” project, which allows parents to call the cafeteria and order a special treat for their student.

This year has also introduced meal tier options, allowing students to choose how much they wish to spend each quarter. In addition to the typical meal plan, Plouffe mentioned students have the option to choose a flex plan.

“It includes dollars that can be used at Howell Mountain Deli inside the Market or used as additional dollars on campus,” he says. “We are also allowing up to $100 to be rolled over to the next quarter if unused, so students do not lose money anymore.”

One final initiative students should be aware of is the Food Service Advisory Committee. Last February, the FSAC was created to incorporate student questions and concerns as part of the Bon Appetit general mission. The committee is student-run in order to ensure students are satisfied with their meal options.

Plouffe explained, “This committee allows us to communicate why those decisions were made so, in the end, it makes sense. As a result, the taqueria is now open every day with rotating meal options. New meal plan payments, more events during the evening hours, and the cafeteria being open later during finals week are all a result of the FSAC.”

In all, PUC’s Dining Commons is much more than just a vegetarian cafeteria. From tiered meal plans to Wednesday night specials to a commitment to sustainable sources, the Dining Commons has much to offer. Students looking for health and wellness need look no further than the cafeteria’s daily options, and with a number of exciting new initiatives this year, the dining commons promises something for everyone.

#FacultyFriday: Meet Sylvia Rasi Gregorutti

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When you have a professor like Sylvia Rasi Gregorutti on your class schedule, you’re in for a treat. She’s an ideal person to be teaching classes on language and culture, seeing as how she speaks five languages and has explored three additional. She has also traveled to many countries and thoroughly understands the study abroad program, as she spent a year in Argentina in high school, and studied in France during her college years. She is now deeply involved with Adventist Colleges Abroad, even spending some time consulting with ACA Brazil this past summer.

Name: Sylvia Rasi Gregorutti
Title: Professor of world languages
Email: srasi@puc.edu
Faculty since: 1993

Current Classes Taught: ITAL 111-112-113: Beginning Italian I-II-III; SPAN 105: Spanish for Health Care Professionals; LANG 450: Advanced Language Study; SPAN 480: Spanish & Latin American Film; SPAN 470: Readings in Spanish & Latin American Literature; SPAN 490: Senior Seminar I.

Education: B.A. in French and English, emphasis in English as a second language (ESL), Andrews University; M.S. in applied linguistics and Ph.D. in sociolinguistics, both at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

When and how did you know you were going to be a professor?

My second-grade teacher at Ruth Murdoch Elementary School in Berrien Springs, Michigan, asked me to be an ESL tutor because I had finished my spelling book in record time. My first students were two classmates, a German boy and a Swedish boy. I felt useful and had a lot of fun! So that was my first experience. But it wasn’t really clear on this path until maybe my junior year of college. It was more the subject matter that attracted me—I wasn’t totally sure whether I’d be a researcher, educator, or something else.

How did you become interested in languages and culture?

I was born to immigrant parents who, when I was a child, were professors. Where I grew up, it was fairly common to speak another language and have another home culture. I always had fun learning about the home languages and cultures of my friends. My family wasn’t wealthy by any means, but travel was an important part of our general education.

Which languages do you speak?

I grew up with Spanish and English, in that order. I’ve since learned French, Italian, and Portuguese (in progress), and have made attempts at Russian, Japanese, and Chinese. The only “strictly classroom” languages have been Russian and Chinese. The others involved a degree of immersion in addition to instruction. That’s always the best combination: Some explanation coupled with extensive contact.

What are some of your favorite movies?

I have to include Arrival (2016). I’m not a huge SciFi fan, but the protagonist is a linguist, and the concepts that are presented are fascinating. Il Postino (The Postman, 1994) and The Mission (1986).

What are some of your hobbies?

Travel is at the top of the list—domestic and especially international. I love gardening; it’s good therapy and there are delicious and healthy byproducts. I also like food preserving—I make my own tomato sauce and jams, some from foraged fruit. This year was my second attempt at grape juice from our backyard grapes—moscato, malbec, and cabernet sauvignon.

If you could have lunch with a celebrity, who would it be and why?

I’m honestly not at all into celebrities. But I’d probably choose someone who’s a creative or a thinker, maybe an activist or philanthropist so we could have an interesting conversation.

Name a book or author you would recommend and why?

I’ve enjoyed books by neurologist Oliver Sacks (for example, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat). He has a great writing style and discusses a variety of topics about the human brain/mind. Also travel writer Pico Iyer (for example, Video Night in Kathmandu) and Christian writer and thinker C. S. Lewis—I’ve been re-reading some of his classics with my 13-year-old daughter.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I met my husband when I was 16 and he was 15 years old—he was a good friend, but I was actually hoping he’d like my younger cousin! We were friends for 11 years and across three continents before we got married.

What advice would you give someone who wants to learn more about different cultures, but is nervous and doesn’t know where/how to begin?

First of all, there’s no need to be nervous. Find a comfortable place to start—a culture or language that is attractive to you or an aspect of the traditions that fascinates you, a friend or personal ancestry. Most people are very receptive to respectful, curious inquiry. You can start with a language class, a set of movies, a traditional craft, sport, dish, or dance to learn, a local celebration—there are so many in the Bay Area—a trip that highlights a special festival or outstanding architecture. It’s important to be open, receptive, and non-judgmental. In finding out more about how things are done and thought about elsewhere else, you might be surprised and overjoyed to find a new way of being yourself!

Current Professional Activities:

Translation and editing of a new biography of Argentine-German missionary Pedro Kalbermatter (Twenty Years as a Missionary among the Natives of Peru), which was commissioned by his son, Alfredo.

Translation and editing of a biography of Argentine Francisco Hermógenes Ramos Mexía (1773-1828), a landowner known for his support of native rights and possibly the first Sabbath-keeper in the Americas.