The Paragon Scholarship

The Paragon Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship offered to a few exceptionally high-achieving freshmen students each year. It is the highest academic honor an incoming student may receive at Fresno Pacific.

President D. Merrill Ewert, with his wife Priscilla and the Paragon Scholars

How it Began

The Paragon Scholar program began in 1998 with a generous donation from Sam and Betsy Reeves of Fresno. The Reeves' commitment to higher education has helped make an FPU education possible for over 38 Paragon Scholar recipients.

The Selection Process

To be eligible for consideration, students must be incoming freshmen and have a minimum 3.75 high school GPA, and a 1300 SAT (math and critical reading sections only) or 29 ACT. Students must also demonstrate a strong Christian commitment and show a history of leadership in their church, school or community. If selected, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, live on campus for at least the first two years, and participate in the President's Leadership course.

Students must first apply and be accepted to the university. In addition, interested students must submit a letter of consideration and an additional letter of recommendation by February 15. The Admissions staff, along with the University President, will review the letters and compile a list of five finalists. Each finalist will then have a personal interview with the president, who will make the final selections. The two winners will be announced approximately one week after the President Scholar's Luncheon, usually around early April.

The Benefits of Being a Paragon Scholar

Recipients of the prestigious Paragon Scholar award will receive full tuition for four years (a value of nearly $100,000). They will also receive an iPad and a $100 credit to purchase iPad applications or accessories. In addition, all scholars will participate in the President's Leadership course where they will be mentored by our new university president Dr. Pete Menjares.

Congratulations to the 2011 Paragon Scholars!

Nicole Marshall  - Central Valley Christian High School; Psychology major from Hanford, CA

"Fresno Pacific is a place of community. It is a place where students, professors and administrators work together to create an excellent environment for academic learning and both spiritual and personal growth. The Paragon Scholarship made it possible for me to not only become a part of this community, but to become a leader in it. I've had the opportunity to try out many different leadership experiences such as working in the Admissions Office, being a part of Student Activities, writing for the school newspaper, and using my talents in dance to perform in the university drama production. All of these experiences have allowed me to develop a clear understanding of myself and what I am interested in. They have allowed me to be a part of a community that tries its very best to listen to the will of God and follow where ever He may lead."                  

Jennifer Little - Liberty High School; Liberal Studies major from Madera, CA

"I chose Fresno Pacific primarily for it's Christian environment. When I visited the campus, I was amazed at the community of students, professors and staff. I loved the size of the small campus, without feeling like I was sacrificing the quality of my education. It was because of my visits to campus that I quickly realized that I wanted to be a part of the FPU community, and I am incredibly grateful for the Paragon Scholarship for making it possible."  

Allison Enns - Olathe Northwest High School; Biblical Studies and English double major from Olathe, KS

"I chose Fresno Pacific because, with the community, campus, and variety of courseowrk available, it was the school where I could see myself learning and experiencing life. I love Fresno Pacific's strong Christian background, as well as the devotion of the professors to their students. I have been able to build many great relationships with my professors because they truly want me to learn and grow, both as a student and as an individual. I am immensely thankful for the Paragon Scholarship, for it has given me access to a school where I can learn who I am and who God wants me to become."       

Average SAT scores of the 2011 Paragon Scholars was 1380, and the average GPA was 4.22.