Pete Menjares speaks in chapel on May 4, 2011. | Job Ang/THE CHIMES [file photo]

Biola’s previous vice provost of faculty development Pete Menjares was officially inaugurated as the 11th president of Fresno Pacific University on Sept. 28.

Menjares began his presidency on July 28 after spending the past 18 years holding various positions at Biola, the most recent being vice provost for faculty development and academic effectiveness.

Capping off a weeklong celebration

The inauguration ceremony was the zenith of a week of celebratory events. These included a prayer service on Sept. 24 led by Menjares, a worship chapel service on Sept. 26 led by campus pastor Angulus Wilson and a scholar’s reception on Sept. 28 prior to the inauguration, according to an article released by Fresno Pacific.

The 10 a.m. inauguration ceremony was followed by a luncheon on the university’s Campus Green. After the meal, tours were given of the university grounds from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Building Christ-honoring community

Menjares’ inaugural address was entitled “From Strength to Strength” and described his vision for centering the university around Christ.

Pacific Magazine editor Wayne Steffen, who covered this weekend’s event for Fresno Pacific, noted that the students who attended the inauguration responded with a standing ovation for Menjares. In an interview, Steffen summed up Menjares’ speech as one about destiny.

“He feels that he was called for, as the Bible says, such a time as this,” Steffen said. “This is really a great time in the history of Fresno Pacific, and [it] has even more greatness ahead.”

During the inauguration, Fresno Pacific board of trustees chair John Thiesen presented Menjares with a medallion to mark the official beginning of his presidential term. The audience then joined together to pray for Menjares and his wife, Virginia.

Among the honored guests who attended the service were Fresno mayor Ashley Swearengin, U.S. representative Jim Costa and president of Vanguard University Carol Taylor.