New Warriors begin their LPU journey through connection, prayer, service and community
Life Pacific University welcomed its largest incoming class in more than six years to the San Dimas campus during Fall 2026 New Student Orientation, held Friday and Saturday, August 28–29.
From moving into the residence halls and meeting professors to worshiping with family, serving the San Dimas community and cheering on the Warriors, the weekend gave new students their first experience as members of the LPU community.
The celebration came during a season of significant momentum for the university. Speaking at Friday’s President’s Luncheon, President Angie Richey, Ph.D., announced that LPU has reached approximately 1,000 enrolled degree-seeking students for the first time in university history. An additional 600 learners around the world are participating in certificate and micro-certificate programs.
“This is the beginning of something special,” President Richey told the incoming class.
A Warm Warrior Welcome
NSO began Friday morning with Check-In and LPU Connect. Resident students moved into their new campus homes while students and families made their way through courtyard stations, met campus clubs and local organizations, and learned about opportunities to become involved.
Commuter students gathered for Warrior Connection, an opportunity to meet other commuters and discover resources designed to help them remain connected to campus life.
At the President’s Luncheon and Welcome, students and their families joined LPU leadership, faculty, staff and student leaders to celebrate the beginning of the academic year.
President Richey recognized the work, prayer and perseverance that brought each student to this moment. She also honored the parents, family members, pastors, mentors, teachers and friends whose sacrifices and encouragement helped students take this important step.
New Warriors were invited to see themselves as part of a story that began more than a century ago. For over 100 years, LPU graduates have carried their education and faith into churches, businesses, counseling rooms, classrooms, creative industries and communities around the world.
“You are now part of the LPU story,” President Richey said, “and we believe some of the best chapters are still ahead.”
Growing With Purpose
While celebrating LPU’s growth, President Richey reminded students that the university’s momentum is about much more than enrollment figures. Each number represents a student with individual gifts, potential and a God-given purpose.
In addition to welcoming its largest incoming class in six years, LPU has doubled university-wide enrollment during the past three years and added 13 degree programs over the past six years. Its educational offerings now extend from micro-certificates to doctoral degrees, including programs serving English- and Spanish-speaking learners around the world.
That growth remains grounded in LPU’s enduring mission: the transformational development of students into leaders prepared to serve God in the Church, the workplace and the world.
President Richey also introduced the university’s Verse of the Year, John 15:5, which calls the LPU community to remain rooted in Christ:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Students were encouraged to rely on God throughout the coming year and to recognize prayer as foundational to the university community.
Preparing Students to Flourish
Following the luncheon, students met faculty members and program chairs, connected with classmates in their majors and received an early look at their academic journey.
Parents participated in a dedicated session focused on supporting students through the college years, while new Warriors toured campus offices and met the people available to help them navigate their first semester.
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Daniel Ruarte, Ed.D., encouraged students to understand orientation as more than another event on their calendar.
“This is the beginning of your journey into all that God created you to be,” Dr. Ruarte said. “You’re not here by accident.”
He offered students four practical commitments for the road ahead: seek God’s purpose, pursue excellence in education, embrace transformation and growth, and persevere with faith.
Dr. Ruarte reminded the incoming class that every course and assignment is part of a larger process of formation. He also acknowledged that college will include challenges, encouraging students to respond to obstacles with faith and perseverance.
“Leaders learn to persevere,” he said. “They face setbacks, doubts and obstacles, and they keep going.”
A Journey Dedicated to God
Friday evening brought students, families, faculty and staff together in the chapel for one of NSO’s most meaningful traditions: the Dedication Service.
Through worship and prayer, families entrusted the incoming class and the coming academic year to God. The service marked both an ending and a beginning as parents and loved ones prepared to send students into a new season of greater independence, learning and spiritual formation.
The evening then shifted from reflection to competition with LPU’s second annual campus-wide Hide ’N’ Seek challenge. New students attempted to outlast faculty, staff and university leaders for one of five $1,000 scholarships.
Beginning With Service
Saturday began with breakfast and the incoming students’ first First-Year Seminar class. From there, new Warriors headed into San Dimas for City Serve, participating in hands-on projects at locations throughout the community.
Service has become a defining part of New Student Orientation because it gives students an immediate opportunity to live out LPU’s mission. Before attending their first full week of classes, students worked alongside new friends and university leaders while contributing to the community they will call home.
The weekend continued with a student tailgate and Warriors soccer game at APU Field, giving the incoming class its first opportunity to show its school spirit. Students then returned to campus for Welcome Home, an evening of beach volleyball, s’mores and time together in the courtyard.
Across the weekend, students encountered the many dimensions of the LPU experience: academic preparation, spiritual formation, service, school spirit and relationships that can last long after graduation.
With the support of faculty, staff, student leaders, families and one another, LPU’s newest Warriors are beginning their next chapter—rooted in Christ and ready to become all God has called them to be.
