The Sunbird Conservatives was founded in August of 2008 by Preston Little, a Senior at Fresno Pacific University, and Jake Yeager, a Junior at Fresno Pacific University.  The principles that the club was founded on were present long before these two men decided to come together in common purpose and form an organization whose main goal is the spread of these values and views.  Both Preston and Jake were raised in Christian homes, taught the value of hard work, and had parents who answered President Reagan’s Farewell Address call to teach the next generation what it means to be an American.  It is out if this traditional, God-fearing, moral, and civic pride upbringing that the SunbirdConservatives was formed. 

          However, even with firm beliefs, Preston and Jake did not form the Sunbird Conservatives for fame or fortune, but out of a necessity.  As many of you might know, one of the major strongholds of liberalism, the antithesis of conservatism, is on college campuses across the United States.  That stereotype rings true at Fresno Pacific University as there is a leftward slant both theologically and politically.  After a few years of sitting through class lectures and observing campus events it was clear that liberalism was an accepted norm on campus and conservatism was either ignored or belittled.  With this knowledge Preston and Jake spoke often about the problems they encountered both in and outside the classroom that challenged or disrespected their principles and values. 

The last straw came in the Spring of 2008 when Preston was enrolled in a required course called Theological Ethics of Peace Making and Conflict.  This course had been taken by Jake the semester before and had caused him great anxiety because of its obvious liberal bias. While Preston was in this class he was instructed to call Federal representatives in congress and request they vote a certain way, given extra credit if he watched an Obama Speech, told that the Iraq war was unjust, gang enforcement is wrong, open borders is biblical, the United States is oppressive, and the Reagan and Bush tax cuts hurt the poor.  These are just a few of the things listed in a letter sent to the head of the theological department and the President of the University, signed by multiple members of the class challenging the instructor for indoctrination and requesting a more balanced approach in the future.  When it was learned that this matter had been pushed aside Preston and Jake decided to work outside of the box and found an organization that would help push Fresno Pacific University back to the center.  There goal is to ensure that conservatism is present on campus and given the same respect that liberalism has achieved within its walls. 

With the belief that conservatism is present in every human being because of the natural limits of man, the inability to grasp perfection, the desire for freedom, and the high regard for personal responsibility, the Sunbird Conservatives do not fear open debate.  With the belief that their ideas are superior they welcome the challenge and resist the practices of liberal suppression, instead setting the stage for civil discussion and dialogue where they are confidant that the Conservative view will beConcordia Cum Veritate (In Harmony with Truth).   

In May of 2009 the club held the 1^stAnnual Sunbird Conservatives Conference, “The Conservative Movement; Past, Present, and Future” as mentioned above.  Around 500 people attended this full day event which offered a continental breakfast and full service lunch.  Speakers included Victor Davis Hanson, Inga Barks, Congressman Nunes, Congressman Radanovich, Bruce Thornton, Steve Varvis, Marshall Johnston, Jon Fleischman, Jim Patterson, Chad Vegas, Peng Wen, William Owens Jr., and more.  The entire event was well received and inspired the club to continue this new tradition.    

Upon Graduation both Preston and Jake passed the reigns of the Sunbird Conservative Club to Emily Lyons.  As President Emily continued to articulate the conservative message on campus and strengthened the club.  While handling all on-campus affairs she was also a tremendous asset to Preston and Jake in the creation of the Sunbird Conservative Alumni Association.  Under Emily’s Administration student leaders were identified, frameworks were solidified, and the 2^ndAnnual Conference saw major expansions. Upon graduation she passed leadership of the club to Alan Hagen, and joined the SCAA as a Board Member.

Alan continued to expand on Preston, Jakes, and Emily's Success. He authored a President's Manual for future club leaders and added a President Reagan Celebration and Constitution day to the club's event calendar.  His greatest acheivment was the 3rd Annual Sunbird Conservatives Conference held April 16th, 2011.

    Before his graduation, Alan held the first official club election, and by a majority vote, Allison Ens was named the next club president, effective January 1st, 2012. Upon taking leadership, Allison immediately set out to tackle one of the biggest topics that conservatives struggle with in a liberal pacifist university - can religion and war exist at the same time? She planned and held a discussion event that brought together both sides of the intellectual argument under one roof - Just War Theorists, Christian Fundamentalists, and Pacificts. Allison will continue to provide this essential dialogue on campus throughout her term in office.

We look forward to many more years of history making for this organization.

For more information about the history of our club, or to ask us a question please Contact-Us.