In early September 2025, faculty and staff came together for all-day mini course summarizing the contents of 涩里番 Pacific’s University Foundations courses. The goal? To ensure they know what the University deems foundational to an SPU education.
The mini courses mirrored what undergraduates encounter in their required Foundations classes, giving employees an opportunity to experience firsthand the theological core of an SPU education. Sessions were held twice, on Sept. 8 and Sept. 12, and drew about 70 participants from across the University — including faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as President Deana Porterfield and most of the vice presidents.
Taught by David Nienhuis (pictured), professor of New Testament, the daylong sessions offered a framework for understanding how theology shapes the wider SPU experience. Participants considered the importance of these courses for students, and how a common foundation can strengthen connections across disciplines and departments.
Said Nienhuis, “Faculty from other disciplines benefit from knowing what theological training their students are receiving, not only so they can simply be aware of it, but also so they can look for opportunities to make meaningful connections with their own course readings and assignments.” .
This article first appeared in the 2025 Autumn Quarter In the Loop parents’ and Connections alumni e-newsletters.