The Bridge (Winter 2016)

WINTER 2016

THE WA R N E R PAC I F I C C O L L E G E

Finding the Right Fit:

more than just money and majors

THE BUCK STOPS HERE: DEBUNKING MYTHS ABOUT FINANCIAL AID... PG 6

MAJOR IN YOU: EXPLORING INDIVIDUALIZED MAJORS... PG 10

PORTLAND: AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL... PG 18

My Story Kolton Lee Epperson ‘18

I am originally from Newcastle, Wyoming, and I just didn’t have the funds to come out and visit Warner Pacific before I enrolled. Financial issues continued to be a struggle when it came to paying for college. Being a first generation student, my family didn’t know how to navigate the system. The enrollment staff at Warner Pacific was a huge help; they were able to guide us through the processes and show us how to understand my scholarships and financial aid options.

The piece of advice I would share with other students who are looking at colleges is to not shut down as soon as they see the price tag. Colleges like Warner Pacific seem expensive at first, but they can also help you find funding opportunities that you might not even know about; you just have to ask for help. Don’t let your college experience be hindered by finances.

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Table of Contents

Christian Ministries

Table of Contents

THE

The Bridge Magazine

4

A Message from President Andrea P. Cook

5

The Hot Seat: Real Questions, Real Students, Real Answers

6-8

9

10-11

The Buck Stops Here: Debunking Myths About Financial Aid Your College Comparison Worksheet Major in You: Exploring Individualized Majors

12-13

Finding Fun at WPC

14

My Story: Josh Lawrence

15

Turning the Tables: An Interview with Professor Luke Goble

16-17 #WARNERPACIFIC

18-19

20

21

Quick Facts

22

Campus Visit: Spring Preview Days

23

College Search Timeline

24

Application Process

25

Paying for College: Financial Aid Tips

26 Scholarships

27

Portland: At the Center of It All! Academic Programs

My Story: Thalia Garcia Aguilar

28-31 Bienvenidos!

As required by Title IX and 34 CFR ยง106.9, Warner Pacific College does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities.

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WINTER 2016

VOL. 1

NO. 2

THE BRIDGE MAGAZINE The Bridge is designed to help students bridge the gap between high school and college, encouraging and empowering them to make decisions about higher education that will help them flourish in their lives, careers, and communities. As a Christcentered college designed to serve students from diverse backgrounds, Warner Pacific prepares the next generation of urban leaders to engage actively in a constantly changing world.

Will I fit in?

CONTACT We want to hear from you! Send us your questions, ideas, and suggestions at TheBridge@warnerpacific.edu.

You can also subscribe, unsubscribe, or update your contact information at TheBridge@warnerpacific.edu.

PRODUCTION The Bridge is published three times a year

by Warner Pacific’s Office of Enrollment and Marketing.

Andrea P. Cook, Ph.D. President Dale Seipp, Jr. Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing THE BRIDGE STAFF Warner Pacific College Publisher Melody Burton Editor Martha Chambers Art Director Photography Kathy Covey Mariana Toscano Justin Tucker ‘14 Jeannie Whitten-Andrews ‘12, ‘15 ENROLLMENT STAFF Gerardo Cifeuntes Director 503.517.1017 gcifuentes@warnerpacific.edu Nick Poindexter Assistant Director 503.517.1128 npoindexter@warnerpacific.edu Michael Flores Enrollment Counselor–Transfers 503.517.1022 mflores@warnerpacific.edu Julia Toscano ‘15 Enrollment Counselor 503.517.1332 jtoscano@warnerpacific.edu Mariana Toscano Senior Enrollment Counselor 503.517.1016 mtoscano@warnerpacific.edu Connect with Warner Pacific!

Copyright 2016 Warner College 4 THEPacific BRIDGE I WINTER 2016

President Cook is greeted by students at Welcome Weekend 2015

One of the biggest concerns that students have when choosing a college is, “Will I fit in?” At Warner Pacific, we believe that students flourish when they have determination to face the challenges that college can bring and a personal, relational environment to support them on their journey.

Here, you will study with professors who know you by name, not graduate assistants. Our dynamic faculty will teach you the skills you need to achieve your career goals while also getting to know you personally; serving as guides as you wrestle with complex issues.

Throughout your time with us, your fellow classmates, professors, and the College’s dedicated staff will walk with you, every step of the way.

Through a Christ-centered education, you will find yourself rooted in a faith that is informed by scholarship and service. As you study the liberal arts and immerse yourself in our rich campus life, you will begin to better understand your strengths and discover how to put those strengths into action to fulfill your unique calling.

As an urban college, Warner Pacific is focused on creating opportunities in which the city becomes your classroom, including internships to prepare you professionally and community service that will stretch you spiritually.

At Warner Pacific College we prepare students to lead in a challenging world where there are not always easy answers to be found. I hope that you will take time to learn more about our community, and I invite you to contact us and schedule a visit to our beautiful Mt. Tabor campus. We would love to get to know you better and help you discover if Warner Pacific is the right fit for you!.

Sincerely,

Andrea P. Cook, Ph.D. President

Do you have tough questions about college that need real answers? The Hot Seat is your chance to ask a current student the questions that keep you up at night.

No glossy admissions brochure facts and figures here, just honest answers from someone who knows.

Name: David Rigall Hometown: St. Helens, Oregon Year in School: Senior Major: Biology Things you like to do in your free time: Play video games, watch movies and TV shows, hang out with friends, carpentry, read, write stories, and play music.

What do you do on campus? I am a Peer Mentor. Basically, I get to hang out with the incoming freshmen and help them in any way I can. This includes just being there for them, providing academic support, connecting them to campus resources, or directing them to someone who knows.

Interesting facts about you: I play trumpet. My laugh can wake people up from the next apartment over. I can clap with one hand.

What’s it like to live on campus?

- Landon, Dallas, Oregon

It makes me nervous to think about leaving all the friends I’ve had since grade school and starting over in college.

What advice do you have for making new friends in college?

Life on campus is pretty fun.

There are always activities and events to go to. Honestly, after a while it can feel like a happy family because the campus here is so small and people care that you are there. The best thing is that you don’t have to wake up early to go to classes because you live right there!

- Jason, Santa Maria, California Jason, most everyone else will be looking for new friends, too.

Go to events and just hang out with people. There will be a lot of opportunities. Don't stress if friends come and go. Usually, by second semester you are with completely different people than when you started.

There are a lot of quality people out there. If you invest in the lives of the friends you make, they will become like family.

If you live and eat on campus, are there healthy food options? How do you stay active?

- Hannah, Orem, Utah Well Hannah, there are definitely healthy options for food; the athletes rely on it. Usually, there is an assortment of soups, salad bar, pastas, rice, stir-fry, fish, or whatever else the chefs come up with. I stay active by either working out at the on-campus gym or by running with friends. A local gym actually came to campus recently and offered students a discount to join, which I did.

Hot Seat Do you

have a burning question for The Hot Seat? We want to hear it! Send your questions to TheBridge@warnerpacific.edu with Hot Seat in the subject line. We’ll do our best to answer as many questions as we can, so send us an email and be on the lookout for your name in the spring issue of The Bridge!

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The Buck Stops Here: Debunking myths about financial aid

by Rashree Abernathy Every year countless students agonize over the college admissions process: the applications, essays, interviews, and of course, finding the finances to make their dream of going to college a reality. Of all the anxieties inherent in the admissions process, the ones involving financial aid are perhaps the most common. Understanding finances in general can be overwhelming, but accounting for the ever-changing cost of higher education and the many myths about financial aid can cause additional stress to families seeking to find resources that will help provide for their student’s tuition.

Financial misconceptions can quickly trip up families on the road to college, which is why it is so important to have a working knowledge of financial aid resources and processes.

To help make your college search journey a little smoother, here are 7 of the most common financial aid myths to avoid:

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Myth #1 "MY FAMILY MAKES TOO MUCH MONEY TO QUALIFY FOR FEDERAL AID." – LANCE ‘07, SENIOR STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES COUNSELOR Many families avoid completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) assuming that they make too much money to qualify for assistance. The reality is, earned income is only part of the equation and there is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. Also, completing the FAFSA automatically puts you in the running for funds from your state and it could open you up to other institutional aid that you may not be aware of at the college itself. Lastly, many schools won’t consider you for any of their scholarships unless you have submitted a FAFSA. Don’t make this assumption—it could cost you more than you anticipated.

Myth #2 "TAKING OUT LOANS WILL LEAVE YOU WITH DEBT YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO PAY BACK.” – NATASHA, FRESHMAN There are several types of student loans and understanding each of them can impact your decision to borrow. Overall, student loans are considered “good debt” and there are more flexible repayment programs available now than in years past. Additionally, it’s important to see how your college of choice handles or helps you to pay loans back in the event you are unable to foot the bill.

For example, Warner Pacific’s innovative loan repayment program, Freedom to Flourish, gives graduates peace-of-mind by offering assistance in paying back or paying off student loans incurred during their undergraduate studies at the College.

Stipulations apply, but the program is free for all incoming freshmen and there’s no cost in taking advantage of the benefit if they should need to use it. Talk to your Warner Pacific enrollment counselor for more information.

Myth #3 “UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS DON’T QUALIFY FOR AID SO THERE’S NO POINT IN TRYING.” – ERENDIRA, FRESHMAN You may be eligible for state funds or aid from the college or university directly. Federal dollars are not available to students without citizenship status but scholarships are free game—you can qualify for dollars from other sources that could make a huge difference. For example, TheDream.US, a $32 million scholarship fund established in 2014, awards scholarships up to $25,000 to immigrant students with temporary status. There are many organizations that cater to the specific needs of undocumented students. To find out what resources are available to you, check with an enrollment counselor or your high school counselor.

Myth #4 “I’M NOT EVEN GOING TO CONSIDER EXPENSIVE OR PRIVATE COLLEGES BECAUSE I CAN’T AFFORD THEM.” – JULIA ‘15, ENROLLMENT COUNSELOR Cost is an important factor in making a decision to attend a specific college, but it should never be the only factor. Consider overall fit—academic and degree offerings, social atmosphere, campus size and classroom settings, internship or travel opportunities, and think about “net price” over “sticker price” before making any final decisions.

For example, a public institution may be less expensive than a private institution at first glance on paper, but consider the fact that most private colleges offer more opportunities for financial aid and a smaller applicant pool—staking the odds in your favor in most cases. When searching for the best option, compare your financial aid award letters from each school you are considering for a better idea of what your actual (net) cost will be. You may be surprised at who rises to the top as the most affordable option and overall best fit. We’ve even included an easy-to-use worksheet on page 9 to help you compare!

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Myth #5 “IT’S TOO LATE FOR ME TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS OR GRANTS.” – KATELYN, FRESHMAN It’s never too late to apply for scholarships…but be aware of deadlines that can sneak up on you. There are literally millions of scholarships available to students who are ready to do what it takes to complete an application. Perhaps the best part is that there are deadlines throughout the year giving you dozens of changes to earn money for your education as long as you get everything in on time.

High value scholarship applications (usually paying over $5,000-$10,000) are generally due in the fall, so it’s important to do your research early and plan ahead.

Smaller scholarships ($250-$2500) can add up fast, so don’t discount those opportunities because it could end up paying for books, fees, or other unexpected expenses that can come up. Remember too, that there are a variety of scholarships to fit just about every student or their unique situation—don’t be fooled into thinking only certain types of students will be considered over others. Find a quality resource to help you complete your search.

Warner Pacific offers free access to all of its students through SaltMoney.org, a scholarship site allowing students to complete a personal profile that matches scholarships to them, cutting the time and guess work of finding quality scholarships in half.

Myth #6 “I DON’T HAVE THE GRADES OR TALENT TO GET INTO COLLEGE LET ALONE GET ANY FINANCIAL AID.” – KOLTON, SOPHOMORE If you think you are a good candidate for the college you are considering, don’t hesitate to apply! Most enrollment counselors want to engage with students and learn why the student is interested in their school and what makes them a good fit for their campus. Applying gives you the opportunity to share your story and form a relationship that can help you down the road. This by no means negates admissions requirements, but it does open up opportunities for you to address key decision-makers and influencers who could give you the green light.

For example, when a student doesn’t meet Warner Pacific’s admissions standards they can address the Admissions Review Committee, a group comprised of faculty and staff, through an essay explaining more about their particular situation. This allows the Committee to make a decision for admission which may work in the student's favor.

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Myth #7 “I SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET A FULL-RIDE BASED OFF MY TALENT OR GRADES.” – TRENT, SOPHOMORE While talent and grades are attractive to many schools, it’s usually not enough for them to make a full financial contribution covering one students’ expenses… the truth is, it’s just not good business. According to Unigo.com, from the millions of students that enrolled in colleges and universities, less than 20,000 across the country actually received scholarships from their school of choice to cover full expenses. Additionally, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) reported that only 2% of high school athletes were awarded athletic scholarships and many didn’t even cover full tuition or other expenses. You can expect other divisions and smaller schools to have caps on how much aid is offered to one student—athlete or otherwise.

The best thing to do is to apply for every type of aid you can—especially scholarships and grants that are based on unique qualities, characteristics, creativity, or experiences. You’ll be surprised to see the things you can earn scholarships for—it’s not only about grades or talent. If you are an athlete, never wait for an offer or recruiting call—make the call yourself and be prepared to talk about your qualities off the field.

SO, WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP? If you haven’t already done so: • Make a list of every college you are interested in applying to • Complete each application, with all supporting documents, as soon as possible • Start finding scholarships through a reliable search program like SaltMoney.org and college websites for the schools you’re interested in • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), they began accepting applications on January 1, so the sooner you complete it the more resources are available to you • Start building relationships with your college admissions counselor…they’ll be your best guide throughout the college application process

Compare Your Options!

An investment in a Warner Pacific College education is a great value. Using this summary sheet, we encourage you to compare costs of all colleges you may be considering and decide which school is right for you.

Warner Pacific College

2nd Choice College

3rd Choice College

DIRECT COSTS - Expenses for which you will be billed Tuition & Fees

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Room & Board (Based on a double occupancy residence hall room)

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Other Fees

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TOTAL DIRECT COSTS

GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS - Aid that does not have to be repaid Federal PELL Grant

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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

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State Grant

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College Scholarships Academic Scholarship

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Athletic Scholarship

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Other: _________________

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TOTAL GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS

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DIRECT COSTS MINUS GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

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Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan

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Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

LOANS - Loans must be repaid

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TOTAL LOANS

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YOUR NET DIRECT COST (after financial aid)

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ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL AID THAT IS NOT APPLIED TO DIRECT COSTS Federal Workstudy Authorization

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INDIRECT COSTS - Budget of other estimated expenses for which you are not billed directly Est Books & Supplies

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Est Miscellaneous/Personal/Living Expenses

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Est Transportation

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TOTAL INDIRECT COSTS

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PAYMENT OPTIONS AT WARNER PACIFIC INCLUDE: Scholarships: Church Match, Private Scholarships Loans: PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Student), Private Loans Payment Plan REMEMBER: Different schools have different resources, so financial aid offers can vary from school to school.

NOTE: Award letters usually only cover one academic year and amounts awarded may change from year to year.

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Major in You: Exploring Individualized Majors

by Deborah Landers ‘16

You have found the perfect college. It has the social atmosphere you were looking for, the kind of people you want to be around—but it doesn’t have the right major for you. So as much as you want to attend that school, you don’t want to give up on your career plans to do it. So what happens next? Do you have to give up on the experience that you want for the major that you need?

Maybe the answer is to still go to your dream school and petition for an individualized major!

"I LOOKED INTO OTHER PROGRAMS AT OTHER SCHOOLS TO SEE WHAT THEY INCLUDED AS PART OF THE MAJOR. AND I HAD A LOT OF HELP FROM FELLOW STUDENT MELISSA SONDERGELD, WHO HAS A SIMILAR MAJOR WITH A DIFFERENT EMPHASIS. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FINDING ANOTHER STUDENT TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS." – BRIANNA OOMS

Individualized majors are like the Build-A-Bear Workshop of college education. But instead of stuffing and accessories, individualized majors are filled with courses that relate to your desired subject of study. This is not to say that a school can offer any major, you must be able to use courses the college already offers as building blocks to create a major they may not already have in place.

“Fifteen credits need to be taken in house. That’s five or six classes,” said Victoria Cumings, Warner Pacific College Registrar. “And they can’t just be introductory courses. They need to offer something substantive to the field of study.”

The decision to pursue an individualized major isn’t as easy as saying, “This is what I want to study.” There are several prerequisites and a lot of work to do before a petition can be submitted. First of all, the petitioner must have 30 semester hours, sophomore class standing, and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. The good news is, if you are certain that you want to pursue an individualized major, you can start thinking about this process early.

Brianna Ooms ‘16 didn’t come to school intending to create an individualized major. She was almost done with her music degree when she caught the theatre bug. “As soon as I got into theatre,” she said, “I knew I didn’t want it to just be a minor.”

The first step was to start looking for a support system. Because the goal is to create a new and unique major, students need to start getting connected with the right people.

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“I talked with Professor Robin Gordon, my theatre advisor; with Dr. Plies, my music advisor; and with Tori Cumings, the registrar,” Ooms said. “I looked into other programs at other schools to see what they included as part of the major. And I had a lot of help from fellow student Melissa Sondergeld, who has a similar major with a different emphasis. I highly recommend finding another student to help you through the process. I was well informed because of Melissa. She was like a student advisor.”

Brianna Ooms

The eventual proposal that Brianna Ooms sent for approval contained dozens of pages of potential class schedules, including where she would take them, when she would take them, and back up plans for what she could take if she didn’t make it in to the courses she wanted.

Brianna stressed the importance of maintaining balance while pursuing an individualized major.

While focusing on getting into the right classes and doing all the homework for those classes, you need to take care that you don’t get blindsided by the finances.

Depending on the number of classes you are taking in the semester and where you are taking them, part of the tuition from a partnering college or university may be added onto the cost of tuition at your college. There will also be additional course fees and books that you’ll need to purchase. By staying organized both in your school work and your finances, you can get much more out of your education.

While creating an individualized major may seem like a lot of work, in the end, this is your education, and if you take control of it, you can get whatever you want out of it.

“Professor Gordon and I talked a lot about whether I actually needed to add a theatre major in order to find work in the theatre,” said Ooms. “And no, I didn’t. But it’s not about the major—it’s about the experience I am getting. Theatre is kind of like biology; you need a laboratory to test those skills. College is my lab for theatre, where I can practice skills in a controlled environment.”

Individualized majors are not easy, but they can be extremely rewarding if you have a specific idea about how your future should look. More than just building your major, you are creating the person you will be in five years. So think carefully, make informed decisions, and remember that you have control of your college education. Make the most of it.

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Finding Fun at WPC

‹Messages Alejandra

Details

Did you go to the basketball game last night? I didn’t see you.

Nope, I was working on homework until 1 am.

Too bad. It was awesome. I almost feel bad for the other team...

What was the final score?

A week in the life of a Warner Pacific student, as imagined

by Deborah Landers ‘16

115 to 45. It was a massacre.

Ouch. When’s the next game?

I think it’s on Monday, but I’ll need to check.

If I can get my Tuesday homework done this weekend, I can go with you next time.

‹Messages Audrey

Details

Have you gone to the play yet?

No…

‹Messages Mari

Details

Yay! I just turned in our application for the Undies.

You have to go. The last show is tomorrow at 2.

What? I thought there was another week!

Not this time, apparently. So are you going tomorrow? I’ll go with you.

Okay. I’ll buy your ticket.

Wait. What do you mean “our application”?

For the Undies, the talent show thing. Is any of this ringing a bell?

No.

It’s okay. I have one.

Wait. Was this that thing you were talking about while I was falling asleep?

I thought you already went.

I did. Three times. And I’m going again.

How would I get you to agree with it otherwise? It’s just a small skit. You have maybe two lines in the whole thing.

You are such a freak, Abby.

And what if I make a fool of myself?

That’s why you love me, roomie.

It’s not like I signed us up for America’s Got Talent. It’s just a bunch of other students de-stressing before finals.

Fine, but if I fall flat on my face, I blame it all on you.

That's a risk I'm willing to take...but let's meet up and practice so that doesn’t happen.

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‹Messages Marcus

Details

‹Messages Audrey

Details

Are you coming to Night of Worship?

No?

Just FYI, I forgot my keys. I’ll need you to let me back in the dorm.

What exactly is Night of Worship?

Guess where I am?

It’s like chapel without a sermon. Just singing. And it’s all students.

The moon? One of the secret colonization pods on Mars?

Are you there now?

Yes. Tell my teachers I won’t be in class because I’m colonizing Mars. I’m sure they’ll believe that. I can blame my late assignments on the poor internet connection.

Yeah

Will I ever see you again?

I want to come too and I’ll bring your keys with me.

You could just join me. I’m at Rain or Shine, the coffee shop just down the street.

Where exactly do I go?

Schlatter... the fancy chapel with the stained glass windows.

You want me to join the dark side?!

Thanks. See you in a few.

Yes, Marcus. Join the dark side. We have… muffins.

‹Messages Josh

Details

Drop everything and get into costume now!

What?

And coffee!!!

You know how they have been talking about Fall Festival all week? There is a costume contest at the Wind Ensemble Concert. We can listen to some music and win a costume contest all in one place!

Princess Peach is on her way to you, Mario.

At least I don’t have to storm any castles to find you.

I’m on my way.

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My Story

JOSH LAWRENCE ‘16 HISTORY & SOCIAL STUDIES I have to admit, when I used to hear that Warner Pacific was Christ-centered, I felt like it was kind of a cop-out. Why wouldn't they just say Christian? But Michelle Lang, our Campus Ministries Director, made me think differently.

She told me to picture our solar system and imagine that Jesus is the sun. No matter where the planets go or how they rotate, they are always moving in a relationship with the sun; they depend on the sun at all times, even when things seem dark on the surface.

That's how I understand being Christcentered at Warner Pacific. Whether we're playing songs in Chapel, sitting in a history class, or just hanging out with our friends; Jesus is at the core of every interaction, giving us the light we need.

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Turning the Tables WITH AN AVERAGE CLASS SIZE OF JUST 14 STUDENTS, getting to know your professors is a natural part of every course at Warner Pacific!

We’re helping you start off on the right foot by turning the tables on our faculty and asking them the hard questions.

Dr. Luke Goble Associate Professor of History Chair, Department of Humanities WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE HUMANITIES? The humanities are areas of study that reflect on human experience. In the Middle Ages, higher education was divided between the study of theology (God) and the study of human experience through classical literature (Greek and Roman philosophy, literature, history, and drama). So the humanities get their name from the latter category in this division. Today, humanities includes the fields that engage the depth of human experience through literature, history, philosophy, and drama.

WHY SHOULD STUDENTS TAKE MORE HUMANITIES COURSES? Studying humanities areas help you to live life well.

They don’t just help you to make money, do a job, or create something; they actually allow you to appreciate the world differently and better.

For me personally, having studied literature, history, and philosophy extensively have given me confidence to approach any situation with a perceptive and critical perspective. I learned how to learn, to ask good questions, to think, write, and speak well.

WILL STUDYING THE HUMANITIES HELP ME GET A JOB AFTER I GRADUATE? Reflecting on human experience always involves honing the skills of deep reading and thinking critically through writing and oral communication.

These are important skills that employers say they want and are finding lacking in students who study only professional fields (like business, engineering, health care, etc.). Moreover, proficiency in humanities-related areas involves a command of culture, of people, of words—of influence. As I tell my history students, those who understand how to wield history are the ones most apt to make it.

WHAT PART DOES FAITH PLAY IN THE HUMANITIES? HOW HAS YOUR FAITH INFORMED YOUR STUDY OF THE HUMANITIES? It is interesting that the Humanities emerged in distinction from theology and today are seen by many as a threat to Christian faith because of some of the insights they have produced about the nature of language, truth, morality, etc.

If humans are created in the image of God, however, and if God is the source of all truth, then studying the deepest questions of the mystery of human experience should involve a deepening of faith. My faith has given me this perspective on truth, and studying the humanities has also challenged and deepened my faith repeatedly. Understanding the complexity of our world and its history does not leave much room for easy answers. But faith also requires trust in the midst of complex questions.

WHAT SURPRISES STUDENTS THE MOST IN YOUR CLASSES? I guess you would have to ask them! In one of my classes, we focus on how history is a fruitful ground for reflection on what it means to be human, how we know what we know, and what is our responsibility in the world. I think students are surprised that real history involves an argument about what the past was like and what it means, and that humans in the past were both radically different and eerily similar to us, which teaches us quite a lot ourselves.

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CONNECT WITH US AT #WARNERPACIFIC

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Mt. Hood Cannon Beach

Tulip Festival, Woodburn

Multnomah Falls

Tom McCall Waterfront

Crater Lake

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lls

At the Center of It All! Oregon is a state full of wonders. The Mt. Tabor campus of Warner Pacific College is located in the heart of Southeast Portland and we are blessed to have gorgeous scenery all around us. Whether you are a Portland native or visiting from out of town or out of state, exploring Oregon’s gems this New Year will do some good to your soul.

There are thousands of locations I could recommend, but as you are evaluating your 2016 bucket list, I encourage you to discover the following Oregon attractions:

Multnomah Falls – If you have not visited this tiered waterfall staple of the Northwest along the Historic Columbia River Highway, I encourage you to do so during any of the four seasons. Most winters will freeze the falls and the view will not disappoint. *Tip—Bring your winter and rain gear with you and hike up to the historic bridge to fully experience this attraction. You will feel the waterfalls’ mist and have a front row view of the falls.

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States with a depth of 1949 feet. This sapphire blue lake is surrounded by cliffs, has two picturesque islands within, and a very interesting volcanic history.

Crater Lake is a place of immense, breath-taking beauty. *Tip—Make it a weekend getaway. Book an overnight stay at a nearby cabin or cozy hotel room to experience this national park with ample time. And bring your snow boots because Crater Lake is known to have snow for a large majority of the year; a true winter wonderland!

By Mariana Toscano

Mount Hood – Grab your skiing and/or

tubing gear and hit the slopes of Mount Hood.

Choose from one of the three main ski resorts, Mt. Hood Meadows, Ski bowl, or Timberline Lodge. After your active day of mountain entertainment, stop by Calamity Jane’s Restaurant in Sandy for a delicious burger served in a skillet.

Mount Hood is located about 50 miles east-southeast of Portland.

Cannon Beach - National

Geographic Magazine named Cannon Beach “one of The World’s Most Beautiful Places” in their June 2013 issue. There are unique shoreline rock formations including the famous Haystack Rock. Experience the remarkable views and the peaceful setting for yourself!

Tom McCall Waterfront - As the season starts warming up, the blossoms start to sprout. Spend an afternoon strolling along Tom McCall Waterfront and the East Esplanade to see magnificent Cherry-Blossom-meets-city landscapes.

Tulip Festival in Woodburn - As the

season turns into spring, head to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon.

Wander through 40 acres of stunning and vibrant tulips, admire the purple mountains in the distance, enjoy the fair-style food, and have some fun! *Tip—bring your rain boots! There are always a few mud puddles!

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Warner Pacific professors encourage you to seek answers to the difficult questions in life. And with a student to faculty ratio of 12:1, your professors will know you by name and be ready and available to support you throughout your college experience.

Our Christ-centered, liberal arts approach will help you expand your comfort zone and explore the ways in which you understand society, community, and faith.

Our Academic Success Center provides free tutoring, mentoring, and support services to help you realize your full academic potential.

25 MAJORS 29 MINORS

WARNER PACIFIC OFFERS

THAT CAN BE PAIRED WITH

Academic Programs

2.83 – below

3.64 – 4.0+

2.84 – 3.63

Incoming Student High School GPA Profile

ACADEMIC MAJORS

We want you to major in what interests you! At Warner Pacific we will work with you to craft an individualized major that will help you flourish in your dream career!

• • • • •

Biblical Studies Math Education Film Studies Art History Experiential Outdoor Education • Urban Community Development • Music and Journalism • Legal Studies 20 THE BRIDGE I WINTER 2016

• American Studies • Biological Science • Business Administration • Christian Ministries • Communications • Developmental Psychology • Early Childhood/ Elementary Education • Education (accelerated BA/MAT) • English • Health and Human Kinetics • Health Care Administration • History • History and Social Studies • Human Development • Human Development and Family Studies • Liberal Studies • Music • Music and Ministry

• Music Business/ Entrepreneurship • Physical Science • Psychology • Social Entrepreneurship • Social Science • Social Work • Sports and Recreation Management MINORS • Accounting • American Studies • Biblical Studies • Biology • Business Administration • Chemistry • Christian Ministries • Christian Missions • Coaching • Communications • Drama • Early Childhood Education • English • Fine Arts

• Health • History • Human Development • Music • Peace Studies • Philosophy • Physical Education • Political Science • Psychology • Religion and Social Ethics • Sociology • Trauma Intervention • Youth Ministry PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS • Pre-Chiropractic • Pre-Dentistry • Pre-Law • Pre-Medicine • Pre-Nursing (A.S. and B.S.) • Pre-Physical Therapy • Pre-Veterinary

Learn more at warnerpacific.edu/majorsdegrees.

s

Quick Facts Warner Pacific College is dedicated to seeing individuals, families, and communities flourish.

As an urban college designed to serve students from diverse backgrounds, we know that for a city to flourish, its leaders must be prepared to engage actively in a constantly changing world.

Who We Are Location: Portland, Oregon (population 603,106)

Learn more at warnerpacific.edu/our-mission.

Knights Athletics As an athlete, you can represent the Knights across 13 men’s and women’s sports.

Our nationally recognized programs are highly competitive and designed to build champions in Christ, classroom, community, and competition.

Warner Pacific is a member of the NAIA, Division II and competes in the Cascade Collegiate Conference.

12:1 14 1,442

Religious Affiliation: Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1 Average Class Size: 14 Enrollment: 501 traditional undergraduates, 1,442 total students Transfer Students 43% Female 55%, Male 45%

INTERCOLLEGIATE SPORTS ▪ Basketball (M+W) ▪ Cross country (M+W) ▪ Golf (M+W) ▪ Soccer (M+W) ▪ Track & field (M+W) ▪ Wrestling (M+W) ▪ Volleyball (W) Learn more at wpcknights.com.

Oregon Washington California

62% Other 17% Hawaii 8% Arizona

White Multiracial Hispanic or Latino Black or African American Asian Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander American Indian or Alaskan Native

8% 3% 2% 48% 20% 17% 10% 2% 2% 1%

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PICTURE

YOURSELF

HERE!

Choosing a college is one of the first major decisions a student will make. As you begin your search, it’s easy to get intimidated by the price tag—getting your college degree is a big investment of time and resources!

But beyond the figures, there are also less concrete factors that you should consider. Who will you meet?

How will you spend your free time? What experiences as a college student will shape your character, passions, and future?

SPRING PREVIEW DAYS: April 14-15, 2016 CAMPUS VISITS Can’t make it to Preview Days? Want a sneak peek before you sign up? Our daily tours can be personally tailored to provide answers to your specific questions. Schedule your visit by calling 503.517.1020, or complete an online visit form at warnerpacific.edu/visit.

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At Warner Pacific, we want to empower you to make a well-informed decision about whether or not our college is the right fit for you! We think the best way to do that is for you to come and experience life at WPC firsthand.

At Preview Days, you’ll be able to spend 24 hours as a Warner Pacific student—attending classes, meeting faculty, eating in our dining hall, and even sleeping in campus housing. You’ll get to know other students and begin to get a feel for what life at Warner Pacific is all about.

We hope you’ll join us at Preview Days and picture yourself as a Warner Pacific student! Visit warnerpacific.edu/preview to register and learn more.

Your Path to College

Step 1: Gather Information

u u u u u

In the month prior to applying to schools, prospective students research institutions using: College/University Websites uS earching College Aggregator Sites like ImFirst.org and CollegeExpress.com Where a Typing their Desired Majors, Programs, and Number of Schools can be Compared Side by Side Resources into a Favorite Search Engine uR anking Sites like U.S. News & World Report’s Asking Family and Friends Best Colleges or Colleges of Distinction Reading Brochures and Admissions Materials uS ocial Media Pages Seeking Advice from a Trusted Mentor or Counselor

Step 2: Narrow It Down

Don’t add one more thing to your to-do list, use SAT college code 4595 or ACT college code 3486 if you want Warner Pacific to automatically receive your scores as soon as they are available.

The top factors for most students as they choose a school are: u Affordability u Friend or Family Member Attends u Location u Student Culture u Flexible Learning u Reputation

u Reputable Professors

u Strong Alumni Network January 1 was the first day to submit FAFSA, but there is still time to apply to get access to the greatest number of financial resources available. Don't delay!

Step 3: Application Time

Interested in applying to Warner Pacific? Here’s what you’ll need:

u Completed and Signed Application for Admission and Community Agreement u $50 Application Fee u Official SAT or ACT Scores u If you are part of a home-school curriculum, complete and return the Home-School Supplement

uO fficial transcripts sent directly from your high school or test scores from the GED; if you’re a transfer student, you’ll need transcripts from each college or university attended uA personal interview or references may be required for selected students; your enrollment counselor will keep you in the loop if you need to prepare for either

Take the time to visit campuses as you make your decision. What you see in a brochure might be different than what you feel when you’re on campus. Choose a school that fits you!

Explore all of the scholarship opportunities available to you, there might be more than you think! At Warner Pacific, we offer academic scholarships for all students with a GPA of 2.5 and above. You can also compete for music, theatre, and leadership scholarships. To compete, a student must already be admitted to Warner Pacific and complete the scholarship application by February 2, 2016.

Step 4: Get Admitted and Enroll Congratulations, you’ve made it!

After you’ve applied to schools, you’ll begin to find out where you’ve been admitted. As you make the final decision about where to ultimately enroll, remember to weigh all the factors of your decision. If you still have questions about housing, financial aid, or campus life, make an appointment with your enrollment counselor so that you can feel confident in the choice you’re making.

THE BRIDGE I WINTER 2016 23

Want to Be A Knight?

Apply Today!

Visit warnerpacific.edu/apply to start your application. You can complete the forms online or download them and mail them in or stop by campus to drop them off in person.

Important Dates to Remember

• Scholarship Competition Applications are due February 2 (Remember, you must already be admitted to participate in the scholarship competition) • Spring Campus Preview Days are April 14-15

Get Connected!

When you join the Warner Pacific social networks you gain access to all of the latest news, events, and activities. You’ll also be able to communicate with current students, staff, faculty, and alumni.

•

/WarnerPacific

•

/WarnerPacific

•

/wpcollege

•

/WarnerPacificCollege

Stay in the Loop...

with a touch of the button when you download Warner Pacific’s app, WPmobile! It’s free in the AppStore and at GooglePlay.

24 THE BRIDGE I WINTER 2016

Portrait of a Knight

Grades: At Warner Pacific, we understand that life is often complicated. While we want to ensure that you will succeed in our rigorous academic program, we also know that grades aren’t always the best measure of your intelligence, aptitude, and determination.

Stats • 52% identify as students of color • Male to female ratio: 45:55 • Average SAT: 815-1,020 (CR+M) • Average ACT: 16-21 • Average High School GPA: 3.17 • 43% of students are transfers On a Mission Our students truly believe that they can make a positive difference in this world. Whether they dream of being a dentist, teacher, psychologist, community organizer, pastor, or social entrepreneur, Warner Pacific students strive to become leaders in their careers and communities.

Choosing a college today is about more than just finding the right major, it’s also about making wise financial decisions that will allow you to pursue your dreams without being overwhelmed with debt when you graduate.

Warner Pacific is committed to providing a high-quality private college experience at an affordable and accessible cost. How do we compare? Our tuition is 35% lower than the average private college in the Northwest!

Direct Costs for the 2015-16 Academic Year

How Will You Pay for College?

Tuition and Fees: $21,460 Room and Board: $8,560 Yeah, those look like big numbers. But don’t worry! We’re ready to help you navigate the world of scholarships, grants, and loans to show you how to make it work, without breaking the bank.

99% OF WARNER PACIFIC STUDENTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID.

1 2

As Easy as 1 – 2 – 3 Apply to Warner Pacific! To receive scholarships from the College, you need to be an admitted student, so apply today and see how our financial aid package stacks up against other schools before making your decision. (Use the worksheet on page 9 to help you compare!)

Submit Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Based on your income, the FAFSA will tell you your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Your EFC doesn’t change based on your choice of school, so submitting it as soon as posiible will help you with all of your applications.

3

Stay on Top of It! Getting all of the information you need to meet financial aid deadlines can seem like a lot of work, but providing accurate and timely responses is the best way to make sure you take full advantage of the resources available for a generous financial aid package.

Applying for financial aid may seem AVERAGE FINANCIAL AID complex and PACKAGE FOR confusing.

A WP STUDENT The Office of Student Financial Services is ready to assist you with the process and address all of your questions or concerns.

$19,139

Contact Student Financial Services at 503.517.1091 or financialaid@ warnerpacific.edu.

THE BRIDGE I WINTER 2016 25

You’ve sent your application and you’ve submitted your FAFSA, so what can you expect? Here’s a quick overview on some of the ways that Warner Pacific is ready to help you dream, achieve, and flourish!

Scholarship Day is coming up soon!

Make sure you are admitted by February 2 to compete for music, drama, and leadership scholarships.

Freshman Merit Scholarships GPA NEEDED

SCHOLARSHIP/AWARD

$ EACH YEAR

3.6 – 4.0

Trustees’ Scholarship

$8,000

3.25 – 3.5

President’s Scholarship

$6,000

3.0 – 3.2

Dean’s Scholarship

$4,000

Achievement Award

$2,000

2.50 – 2.99

Transfer Merit Scholarships GPA NEEDED 3.5 – 4.0

SCHOLARSHIP/AWARD

$ EACH YEAR

Honors Scholarship

$4,000

3.0 – 3.49

Faculty Scholarship

$3,500

2.5 – 2.99

Transfer Award

$2,500

FREEDOM TO FLOURISH At Warner Pacific, we understand that choosing a private, Christ-centered, liberal arts college comes at a cost. That’s why all incoming, first-time freshmen in our traditional undergraduate program are automatically enrolled in “Freedom to Flourish,” our innovative loan repayment assistance program.

Freedom to Flourish... ✔ Empowers you to choose a major that aligns with your passion and unique calling ✔ Allows you to enter the job market without anxiety ✔ Provides a safety net to help ease the burden of student loans ✔ Reinforces that as part of the Warner Pacific community, you have a supportive network dedicated to working with you on your journey toward personal and professional success Learn more at warnerpacific.edu/financialaid.

26 THE BRIDGE I WINTER 2016

My Story

Thalia Garcia Aguilar ‘16 Social Entrepreneurship

In my role as the student body president, I have learned that I am comfortable being a leader. I can be in front of the student government and other club leaders knowing that they will give me space and respect as members of a unified team. They have really helped me figure out my communication style. I’m learning how to work in a team and discovering how much more we can accomplish together.

Before they get to college, some people think they know what they want to do and then they change their major three times; it’s the same thing with leadership. You think you know how you do it best, and then you change. Being a leader and a student is about learning to bridge the gaps; it’s about being authentic in everything you do and giving your whole self to every project or task.”

THE BRIDGE I WINTER 2016 27

Bienvenidos!

Quieres saber como elegir la universidad perfecta?

Nosotros entendemos que decidir qué universidad es la más adecuada para asistir puede ser una decisión muy difícil y complicada. Por eso recomendamos que visiten nuestro colegió para descubrir si la atmosfera de nuestra institución es la misma que el estudiante esta buscado. Es muy importante tomar en consideración algunos aspectos de cada universidad para saber si será un lugar adecuado y de acuerdo a con las expectaciones del estudiante.

El tamaño de la escuela: Algunos estudiantes prefieren universidades que ofrezcan clases con pocos estudiantes para recibir más atención.

Licenciaturas o programas: Es muy importante que los estudiantes tengan la oportunidad de conocer a la facultad de los programas que están interesados para saber si el currículo ofrecido es lo que están buscando.

Ayuda financiera: Es vital que los estudiantes tengan la oportunidad de hablar con un consejero de ayuda financiera para entender los recursos económicos que están disponibles.

Apoyo académico: Otra cosa que los estudiantes tienen que considerar es el apoyo académico que existe afuera 28 THE BRIDGE I WINTER 2016

de internet. Nuestro equipo de admisiones se comunicará con el solicitante dentro de 12 horas de recibir la solicitud (Lunes a Viernes) para ayudar al solicitante con la siguiente fase.

que visites la universidad que estas planeando asistir este próximo otoño y te familiarices con los recursos que están disponibles para ti. del salón de clases, como tutores, mentores o cualquier otro programa de soporte académico disponible.

Ubicación: La ubicación del colegio se tiene que considerar por que los estudiantes asistirán al colegio por un tiempo muy significante.

Por favor recuerda que es muy importante que seas estratégico durante el momento que eliges tu futuro colegio. Te recomendamos

Cómo funciona el proceso de admisión en Warner Pacific College?

El proceso de averiguar universidades puede ser sumamente estresante.

Nuestra institución entiende las necesidades de nuestra comunidad y por eso ha creado un proceso de admisión muy claro y práctico.

Los estudiantes interesados en solicitar admisión deben de rellenar la solicitud electrónica en nuestra página

Después de meter la solicitud, cada solicitante debe de enviar sus calificaciones oficiales de la preparatoria y los resultados del examen estándar SAT o ACT, para que nuestra institución pueda procesar la solicitud y proveer una respuesta al solicitante.

Pasos para completar el proceso de admisión en Warner Pacific College • Completar la aplicación electrónicamente en nuestra página de internet • Enviar las calificaciones oficiales de la preparatoria • Enviar los resultados de el examen estándar SAT o SAT

THE BRIDGE I WINTER 2016 29

“WARNER PACIFIC ME ESTÁ PREPARANDO PARA SER ALGUIEN EN LA VIDA. ESPERO QUE ALGÚN DÍA TENGA LA OPORTUNIDAD DE AGRADECER A TODOS POR EL APOYO INCONDICIONAL QUE ME HAN BRINDADO.” ANGEL CASTAÑEDA ‘17

30 THE BRIDGE I WINTER 2016

Cuáles son los requisitos académicos para ser aceptado en Warner Pacific College?

Los estudiantes tienen que demostrar un promedio consistente en la preparatoria con mínimo de 2.5 y un resultado mínimo de 19 puntos en el examen estándar ACT o 910 puntos en el SAT. En caso de que los estudiantes no cumplan con este criterio por favor contactar a nuestra oficina de admisiones para obtener información adicional.

Cuál es el siguiente paso después de que un estudiante termino con su proceso de admisiones?

El siguiente paso después de ser aceptado a nuestra institución es reunirse con un consejero de ayuda financiera. El consejero de ayuda financiera asistirá con información de cómo acceder a recursos financieros que están disponibles en nuestra institución para nuestros estudiantes pero también recursos financieros que están disponibles dentro de programas gubernamentales.

Otra parte que es muy importante durante el proceso de admisiones es visitar nuestra Universidad y familiarizarse con la ciudad en la que estamos ubicados, tener la oportunidad de conocer algunos de nuestros profesores, escuchar testimonios de nuestros estudiantes que son parte de nuestra institución y conocer nuestras instalaciones.

Existen diferentes maneras de solicitar una visita a nuestra universidad. Se puede hacer una solicitud via electrónica por medio de nuestra página de internet o llamar directamente a nuestro departamento de admisiones y solicitar una visita.

Ayuda Financiera Warner Pacific College es el colegio más accesible del noroeste del país siendo 35% menos del costo promedio de cualquier otra universidad privada. Nuestra institución entiende el compromiso con nuestra comunidad en apoyar a nuestros estudiantes con oportunidades que contribuyan a obtener paquetes financieros muy generosos a corto y largo plazo. Durante el año escolar 2014,

Warner Pacific College otorgo $1.8 millones de dolares en becas para los estudiantes.

Que tipos de ayuda financiera está disponible para los estudiantes?

(FAFSA) Este es un programa del gobierno que apoya financieramente a estudiantes financieramente basado en su situación económica. El estudiante necesitara enviar una aplicación que es gratuita donde explica detalladamente sus ingresos económicos familiares. Nuestras oficinas en Warner Pacific College ayudamos a facilitar este proceso a todos los estudiantes. Es muy importante que los estudiantes apliquen a FAFSA lo más pronto posible durante el mes de Enero 2016.

Préstamos Gubernamentales: Estos son préstamos que el gobierno ofrece a los estudiantes después de enviar su solicitud de FAFSA. El estudiante decide si necesita o acepta estos préstamos gubernamentales. Los pagos de los préstamos no inician hasta que el estudiante se haya graduado.

Warner Pacific College es la única institución en Portland que ayudara a los estudiantes a pagar sus préstamos después de graduarse si su sueldo anual es menos de $37,000. Por favor pregunta por detalles acerca de este programa.

Becas: Nuestra institución es muy generosa apoyando financieramente a nuestros estudiantes tomando en consideración sus talentos y logros otorgando solidas becas por alto rendimiento académico, atletas, músicos, actores y estudiantes que tengan pasión por liderazgo. Los estudiantes tendrán la oportunidad de aplicar para becas una vez que hayan completado su proceso de admisión a nuestra institución y serán invitados a participar a la competencia de becas el día 20 de febrero del 2016.

Trabajo estudiantil: Esta es una oportunidad que nuestra institución ofrece a nuestros estudiantes de trabajar en la escuela de tal manera que puedan generar una ayuda económica para ellos mismos.

Para más información en español, por favor visita: warnerpacific.edu/bienvenidos.

THE BRIDGE I WINTER 2016 31

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2219 SE 68th Avenue · Portland, Oregon 97215

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THE BRIDGE MAGAZINE WINTER 2016

Be a Knight

!

It’s nice to see how colleges compare on paper but the best way to find out if Warner Pacific is the right place for you is to come and see for yourself. Schedule a campus visit and discover what it feels like to be a Knight. warnerpacific.edu/visit

32 THE BRIDGE I WINTER 2016