Laughter and conversation filled the air as the Pensacola Christian College class of 2029 met in Varsity for Freshman Connect. Hailing from 19 countries and 48 of the United States, most incoming students had arrived on campus only a day before. Full of anticipation for the fall semester, they shared names, exchanged phone numbers, and began friendships that could last a lifetime. After settling in, the new students experienced a relaxing evening while playing board games and enjoying refreshments. Later they were surprised by a visit from College President Troy Shoemaker and beloved PCC mascot, Eagor.
An exhilarating semester has flown by since this gathering. As Christmas nears, the first-year students celebrate academic accomplishments, campus engagement, and thriving friendships and faith. Darcy Bender (Fr., NC) described her experience in glowing terms. “My highlight has been becoming closer with my friends and my classmates. It is truly so rewarding to see how God is answering prayers and how He is using us for His glory.”
New Students Declare Majors
Many new students have chosen majors, and their selections reflect a wide variety of subjects. No matter which of PCC’s 67 programs they study, each will receive a high-quality education built on Christian values. “We are working to have excellence in all of our programs,” said academic vice president Dr. Donna Marion. “That excellence combined with the biblical worldview is what our faculty are striving to bring to the classroom.”
Ethan Berridge (Fr., MI) is studying electrical engineering and media ministries, a new Bible concentration that prepares students to meet media needs for churches and other Christian organizations. When he graduates, he plans to use his skills to work for a ministry. Over the semester, he has met multiple faculty members that have become mentors. “I love the teachers here,” Ethan noted, “especially my chemistry lab teacher, Mr. Jesse Poulin, and my digital design teacher, Mr. Elijah Principe.”
“I chose PCC because I wanted the opportunity to learn through the biblical worldview.”
Darcy decided to double major in graphic design and advertising/public relations. She believes these programs will allow her to learn about two of her passions: art and people. After considering other colleges, both secular and Christian, she selected PCC. “I chose PCC because I wanted the opportunity to learn through the biblical worldview, and I wanted to be in a place that was strong in its academics,” Darcy shared.
Like thirty percent of the freshmen class, Moriah Beck (Fr., PA) was homeschooled during high school. She has enjoyed shifting to in-person classes and has excelled academically. She is studying violin performance and dreams of being a music producer. “The highlight of my semester has been the overall improvement of my musical skills,” Moriah noted. “My transition [to college] was smooth. I like change and adventure, so it has been exciting for me.”
As they step into this thrilling new stage of life, freshmen have access to many resources to help them thrive. All first semester undergraduates enroll in CL 111, Foundations for College Success, which covers the concepts and skills needed for a great collegiate experience. For those who would like additional help, the PCC Care Office provides free and confidential assistance for all areas of student living. “We provide personalized student support,” shared the director, Dr. Rob Achuff. The aid students may need could “come in the form of tutoring, financial assistance and advice, counseling, [and] disability services,” he continued. “We get to help students with some very real needs so that they can finish with us.”
Forming Friendships and Faith
New students have found abundant opportunities to form friendships and faith by participating in college events. Dr. Marion observed that the new class has brought additional energy to campus. “The incoming class is seeking to engage with each other,” Dr. Marion shared. “They are trying to make meaningful relationships—that has stood out to me.”
Faith Bentley (Fr., TX) bonded with friends while attending Fine Arts Series. Ranging from elegant concerts to powerful plays, these productions offer entertainment to engage every student. “The highlight of my semester was the Fine Arts in November,” Faith recalled, “I had the privilege of attending with my dearest friends, and The Scarlet Pimpernel was such a captivating performance!”
“All of us have one thing in common—we all love and serve the Lord.”
Darcy had the opportunity to enroll in the summer work program, which allowed her to work on campus the summer before the fall semester started. Between shifts, she and other students built friendships while visiting Pensacola’s local cafés and beautiful seashores. “I truly had the best summer of my life working on campus,” Darcy shared. “It was filled with spiritual emphasis, constant laughter with friends, and many beach trips. I am so grateful for PCC’s summer work program and the Christian influence it brings.”
New students also quickly stepped up to contribute to spiritual life on campus. Adam Guerrero (Fr.) from Ecuador carried his country’s flag in the Parade of Nations at the 2025 Campus Church Missions Conference. Seeing faith uniting the diverse student body inspired and encouraged him. “All of us have one thing in common—we all love and serve the Lord,” Adam shared.
Made for More
In November, the freshmen class elected officers. Those chosen were Matthew Baltodano (Fr., TX) for president, Jacinda Gariepy (Fr., AL) for vice president, Ethan Cox (Fr., FL) for chaplain, Andrew DeGarde (Fr., SC) for chorister, and Carson Hicks (Fr., TX) for secretary. These student leaders come from a variety of backgrounds, but all share a desire to see their classmates excel. “I believe we all have one thing in common: we want to lead our class into becoming great influences for God here at PCC,” shared Carson.
“I am excited to serve the class of 2029, and I look forward to what the future holds.”
After they were elected, the officers gathered to discuss their vision for the class of 2029. They chose the theme “Made for More” to reflect the class’s God-given purpose: to glorify Him in all they do. “This motto is from Ephesians 2:10, ‘For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.’” Jacinda explained. “This is such a great reminder that we are more than just students—we are children of God.”
As they continue attending PCC, this year’s new students are eager to further explore their studies, invest in friendships, and grow in their love for God and His Word. The officers are beyond excited to see what the Lord does through their class, both during and after college. “Imagine the impact if every student in our class were to be committed to serving Jesus,” Carson shared. “After receiving the proper training in our fields over the next four years, we will have transformed into nearly a thousand Christian businessmen, pastors, missionaries, nurses, and teachers, all of which the world desperately needs,” he added. “I am excited to serve the class of 2029, and I look forward to what the future holds.”