Pacific Magazine 2024

PACIFIC EXPANDS ON ALL THREE CAMPUSES

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF PACIFIC IN STOCKTON

EXPLORE SPACE WITH ASTRONOMY FACULTY AND STUDENTS

Pacific expands on all three campuses with new student spaces and enhancements

Learn about the president’s new initiatives and get to know Pacific’s new cabinet members, regents and student leaders

Pacific as an engine for social mobility and the history of the Community Involvement Program

A timeline of 100 years of Pacific history since it's move to the Central Valley

Pacific’s schools and colleges impact the community

Astronomy

When collaboration happens, Pacific wins

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Sallie Poggi

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Nico Barredo

PROJECT MANAGER

Svend Holst

SENIOR WRITER

Erica Hechtkopf ’25

LEAD WRITERS

Johanna Bakmas ’09

Robbie Kleinmuntz

Monica Klem

Mike Klocke

Kelsey Lindquist

Mikael Pitanguy

CONTRIBUTORS

Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20

Molly Byrne

Hatzin Escalante ‘22

Ashley Golledge

Sheri Grimes

Laurie Lauletta-Boshart

Lisa Hill

Zac Spurlin ‘16

Janice Wagner

Pacific opportunities in the Golden State

Pacific’s new era of coaching and a Tiger Olympic medalist

The power of gift-giving through the stories of proud Pacificans

A CLOSER LOOK

Examine the history of Pacific’s cherished landmarks with a closer lens

A THING OF BEAUTY

60 years of Burns Tower and an inside look at its hidden treasures

AND THE AWARD GOES TO

Iconic Pacificans who have won Hollywood’s biggest awards

Pacific alumni and faculty award winners and a look back at the past year’s colorful events

Photo Left: A campus tour during Fall Open House, one of many events during Homecoming and Family Weekend. The tour was provided by Strategic Enrollment for a group of prospective families. 100 108 114 118

SENIOR DESIGNER

Mishi Chua ‘25

LEAD

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jason Ramos Millner ‘19

Christian Murillo

Mikael Pitanguy

CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Victoria Ambriz

Bonica Ayala

Ashley Golledge

Brady Renner

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Ryan Walters

WEB DEVELOPER

Daniel Ellingson

DIGITAL DESIGNER

César Larios

CONTACT: magazine@pacific.edu

P: 209.946.2311 Pacific.edu/Magazine

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

In many ways, 2024 was one of the most challenging years in the 388-year history of higher education in America.

College enrollments declined nationwide, battered by changing demographics, the lingering impact of the global pandemic and the disastrous rollout of the federal government’s revised FAFSA financial aid process. Deep financial struggles led many schools to cut people and programs, and an accelerating number have closed permanently. Meanwhile, geopolitical headwinds triggered painful divisiveness among students, faculty and leaders across American campuses, sometimes leading to violent clashes, student arrests and campus shutdowns.

But at University of the Pacific–thanks to the tireless, uplifting and inspiring efforts of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, supporters, regents and university leaders–we are not just surviving, but we are thriving. In fact, 2024 was a historic year at Pacific by virtually every measure.

Pacific saw record enrollments for the second consecutive year with 6,944 students from 44 states and more than 60 countries across six continents on our three thriving Northern California campuses. Our students are learning in our nine schools and in a growing array of new market-driven majors in fields such as nutrition science, sustainability, pharmaceutical science and more.

We reached a long-sought goal of securing Hispanic-Serving Institution designation from the U.S. Department of Education, giving us even more tools and resources to support our growing Latino populations. We are one of only about 20 private universities with both HSI and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution status–critically important designations as

California and the nation rapidly become more diverse.

While other universities are struggling to house students, we now offer a four-year housing guarantee for undergraduates, having invested more than $100 million in renovating historic residence halls and Greek houses and rolled out plans for a new Southwest Hall. Our focus on the livinglearning campus experience meshes with a thriving student life animated by 200 student clubs and organizations. We also have added the Presidential Speaker Series, bringing in world-class thinkers such as author Monica Guzman and PBS News legend Judy Woodruff.

We opened two new buildings on the Sacramento Campus as the School of Health Sciences, our newest college founded in 2020, continues its rapid ascent as our health care degree programs grow on all three campuses.

We also had record alumni engagement with our largest Homecoming and Family Weekend ever, our biggest Pacific Gives day ever and our second-best overall fundraising year in history.

Tiger Athletics too is on the rise, with our men’s water polo team ranked in the top echelon of the NCAA, ready to battle for a national championship, while men’s golf is newly ranked in the nation’s Top 50 and Tiago Silva became the first Tiger in nearly 20 years to earn a bid to the NCAA tennis tournament. Six other teams boast new head coaches. In November, we hosted our largest men’s basketball home opener in two decades, ushering in the new era of head coach Dave Smart, the winningest coach in Canadian collegiate basketball history.

I’m delighted to report that this extraordinary upward trajectory is being recognized nationally. The Wall Street

Journal recently ranked Pacific No. 87 on its list of top colleges and universities–our highest national ranking ever. Equally important, the Journal ranked our university No. 36 in social mobility, providing the opportunity for all to be lifted up by a Pacific education.

The cost of a college education, of course, is a major expense–for most families second only to their homes. That is why we are so excited that U.S. News & World Report recognized the true value of a Pacific education. The magazine ranked Pacific No. 44 in the nation in “Best Value”–a calculation of academic quality and actual costs–and No. 3 in California among all private and public universities, behind only Stanford University and Cal Tech.

The foundation of a Pacific education remains what it has been for 173 years: the relationships forged between hard-working students and brilliant faculty in small, immersive learning environments. As Jean and I travel the country meeting with our alumni, their Pacific story is the same, whether they graduated in 1964, 1994 or 2024: How a special professor, advisor or coach changed the trajectory of their lives. And at a time when some accuse colleges of “indoctrinating” students with particular ideological beliefs, we at Pacific are underscoring what we have always believed, that we are here to develop the next generation of great leaders and lifelong learners not by teaching them what to think, but by teaching them how to think.

We will continue to accelerate our progress on all dimensions to better prepare our students for an ever-changing world, and we will remain steadfast in that fundamental principle.

Go Tigers!

President Christopher Callahan

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF REGENTS CHAIR

The hallmark of a Pacific education is the personal relationships we form with each other.

As a Pacific student, I studied with innovative faculty whose research was on the leading edge of kinesiology and sports medicine. The scholarship was groundbreaking and the relationships were personal. I was taught by Glen Albaugh, the late beloved professor emeritus and former golf coach. Professors Doris C. Meyer and Libby Matson modeled leadership for female students and athletes for decades—well before the passage of Title IX. Their dedication beyond the classroom paved the way for women’s intercollegiate athletics at Pacific. Professor emeritus Larry Meredith helped establish Callison College, one of the

historic cluster colleges that expanded our international programs. Dr. Meredith helped bring Pacific students to the world—and the world to Pacific.

This tradition of relationship-rich, student-centric education continues today.

In August, I attended the New Student Convocation in the Alex G. Spanos Center to help welcome our newest Tigers to campus. Delivering the keynote was Dr. Macelle Mahala, professor of English and Media X and faculty director for the Powell Scholars and Humanities Scholars programs. Sitting among faculty, staff, university leaders and fellow regents, I listened to her powerful message. She urged students to engage in the Pacific community with compassion, courage and curiosity and to find people, fellow students, teachers, administrators and staff members who would help them do so. Of course, this brought back memories of my time as a student.

During another point in the ceremony, Provost Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert invited everyone in the arena to turn to their neighbor, introduce themselves and share one commitment their peer could hold them accountable to over the academic year. Dr. Mahala’s message, coupled with this impactful exchange, exemplifies the very essence of what we do best: our students come first in everything we do and we nurture relationships that inspire, support and help them succeed.

At Convocation, I recommitted to learning from and enhancing our Pacific community. I hope you will join me in this endeavor.

Go Tigers!

Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt ’76 Chair, Board of Regents

“Our students come first in everything we do and we nurture relationships that inspire, support and help them succeed.”

MARY-ELIZABETH EBERHARDT ’76 Chair, Board of Regents

A Continuing Legacy of Innovation

A century ago, University of the Pacific leaders faced a pivotal question as they outgrew their Bay Area location: stay with the familiar or venture into the unknown?

President Tully C. Knoles and the Board of Regents were guided in their decision by one principle—the best interests of students and faculty. In 1924, Pacific set down new roots in Stockton, becoming the Central Valley’s first institution of higher education.

This bold move did more than just change Pacific’s address. It cemented a legacy of innovation and calculated risk-taking that drives students and employees of Pacific to this day.

The legacy Pacific leaves is not just in buildings and institutions, but in the values Pacificans embody and pass on to generations of students.

Today, Pacific continues to blaze a bold future. In a time of unprecedented moments in the geopolitical landscape and challenging trends in—declining enrollment, budget slashes and increasing complexities—Pacific’s legacy of innovation and risk-taking and its student-centric ethos continue to create ripples of impact for generations to come.

Aerial view of Stockton Campus and surrounding neighborhood circa 1925.

RANKED

In Review 2024

Record National Recognition: In September, the Wall Street Journal ranked Pacific No. 87 among the nation’s best schools and colleges—Pacific’s highest ever national ranking. That ranking was boosted by graduates’ earnings, which the Journal ranked No. 54 this year.

AMONG THE NATION’S BEST SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES PACIFIC’S HIGHEST EVER NATIONAL RANKING

Wall Street Journal

Additionally, Pacific now ranks No. 3 in California among all private and public universities for “Best Value” in an undergraduate college education, trailing only Stanford University and Cal Tech, according to the newest ranking by U.S. News & World Report. In the Wall Street Journal College Pulse Best College rankings, Pacific was named the No. 36 nationwide in social mobility, a measure of the success of students who come from lower-income families.

Record Enrollment: For the second consecutive year, Pacific set an enrollment record with 6,944 students—the largest student population in the university’s 173year history. The new enrollment record across Pacific’s campuses in Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco includes nearly 200 more students than last year’s record high enrollment of 6,755 and represents a three-year increase of nearly 15%, the highest among all our peers.

Degree Innovations: In response to the interdisciplinary nature of today’s professions, Pacific launched six new degrees: a bachelor of science in data science, a bachelor of science in pharmaceutical science, a bachelor of arts in general studies, a master of science in nutritional sciences, a master of science in regulatory science and a master of arts in counseling psychology. Other programs are being developed as a result of the inaugural Curriculum Innovation Day, which brought together faculty members from across the three campuses for a wide-ranging brainstorming session.

Diversity Gains: Earlier this year, Pacific became the highest-ranked private university in America to achieve Hispanic-Serving Institution designation from the U.S. Department of Education. Pacific is one of

only about 20 private universities with both HSI and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution status—critically important designations as California and the nation rapidly become more diverse.

Campus Growth: The Sacramento Campus expanded facilities for students and patients with the physician assistant building and the Pacific Health Care Collaborative. Two new state-of-the-art microbiology labs were completed this year to support a growing number of students flocking to Pacific to pursue careers in health and science. The Stockton Campus completed improvements to the Greek houses and opened a pickleball and padel complex and gaming center.

Record Fundraising: The university broke fundraising records by raising a total of $48.5 million this year, the most ever with the exception of the year of the Powell gift. The annual day of giving raised $2 million from more than 4,000 donors. The 24-hour online fundraiser shattered all previous records for both donor participation and donations raised.

Service Leadership: Pacificans leaned into their communities and served over 290,000 volunteer hours in the last year. They are on track to exceed that number this academic year. Additionally, Pacific College Corps Fellows logged more than 33,000 volunteer hours in the 2022-23 school year.

Sustainability: Pacific is progressing toward a gold rating in the national system that measures sustainability at colleges and universities worldwide. The university launched a fleet of rentable pedal-assist e-bikes as part of its Tiger Transportation initiative for sustainable travel. Solar panels on the Stockton Campus generated nearly 16,000,000 kilowatt hours of renewable energy since their installation in 2022. Pacific was recently listed in The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges: 2025 Edition.

EXPANDING HEALTH CARE

Pacific has created an indelible health care footprint in Northern California with new and creative medical services, unique and effective collaborations and the potential for future expansion.

The year 2024 brought the opening of worldclass facilities: two new high-tech biology laboratories on the Stockton Campus as well as a physician’s assistant center and the Pacific Health Care Collaborative, both on the Sacramento Campus.

STATE-OF-THE-ART BIOLOGY LABORATORIES

The new laboratories support a growing number of students choosing to attend Pacific for its superior preparation of students interested in health and science careers.

“We have growing numbers of fantastic students from across the country who want to come to Pacific to pre -

pare for careers as dentists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and more,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert, the university’s chief academic officer, who is also a microbiologist. “These labs will open more opportunities for experiential learning and advanced research, inspiring our outstanding students and providing them the best learning environments possible.”

Pacific’s science faculty and degree programs are drawing increasing attention nationally from students interested in careers in health care. Microbiology is an essential prerequisite for those academic programs.

The labs are housed in the Biological Laboratories Building of the

Department of Biological Sciences, the largest unit in the College of the Pacific, the university’s school for sciences and the liberal arts.

“President Callahan and Provost Edwalds-Gilbert expressed the desire that the labs should be showcase facilities,” said Dean Lee Skinner. “Faculty were told to ‘design your dream labs.’ We wanted to build exceptional facilities for research and teaching.”

Alice Chao ‘26, a third-year undergraduate from Memphis, Tennessee, said the addition of the modern equipment creates better work and learning environments.

“It makes things more accessible,” she said. “This is a huge step for the Biology Department.”

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM

Students have varied reasons for entering the physician assistant field. Brittany Erdmann ‘26 said Grass Valley, the small California city where she lives, has a shortage of medical personnel.

“I want to be part of the solution for my town’s health care needs,” the firstyear student said. “As I have started my education, I feel more and more every day that I have picked a profession where I can make a difference.”

First-year student Mimi Kyi ‘26, from the Bay Area, is considering where she might want to work after graduation. Physician assistant students have

15 months of classroom work and 12 months of clinical rotations in the field.

“We are always there for one another,” Kyi said. “I remember the first time I shadowed a PA and found myself thinking ‘I want to be like her.’ The work is both exciting and important in serving the community and health care needs.”

U.S. News & World Report ranks physician assistant No. 2 in a report of the best health care jobs and No. 5 among all jobs.

Professor and Program Director Tracey DelNero said there were 2,400 applicants vying for 75 spots in the fall 2024 cohort.

PACIFIC HEALTH CARE COLLABORATIVE Across the street from the physician assistant facility is the new 30,000-square-foot clinical and academic facility that will facilitate a collaborative approach to health science education and patient care.

Students training in dentistry, medicine, physician assisting, nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy, nutrition, social work and other health fields will work together as they care for underserved dental patients from Oak Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

“By creating this interprofessional approach, we hope to improve health equity and put the patient at the center to improve their health outcomes, lower costs and improve the experience of patients and providers,” said Nader A. Nadershahi ‘94, ‘99, ‘11, dean of the Dugoni School.

Dental services in the clinic will be provided by students in the International Dental Studies program.

“One of the things I love most about this program is the international flavor,” said Ana Larios ‘26, a student from Nicaragua. “That is the reason I wanted to be in the Sacramento program. I also was drawn by the opportunity to work alongside doctors, PAs, nurses and so many other facets of health care.”

Pacific received a $4 million lead gift from Stephen and Pamela Thorne to help create the Pacific Health Care Collaborative, a key clinical component of the new facility.

Pacific Health Care Collaborative lobby on the Sacramento campus

EXPANDING TECH SPACES

Two of the most popular venues for Pacific students have common strengths: a welcoming sense of community and advanced technology.

Those traits are in abundance at the Pacific Gaming Center and the Fletcher Jones Foundation Makerspace, which opened to rave reviews.

GAMING CENTER CATERS TO ALL

The Pacific Gaming Center, led by the Eberhardt School of Business and located in the William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center basement, caters to gamers just seeking fun and those with a competitive fire. The center is packed with players most days.

Tommy Nguyen ‘20, ‘25, a doctoral student in chemistry, has experience playing professionally. Yet he still feels comfortable as a gamer playing at a facility where the most important thing is a feeling of community.

“I feel most players at the center simply want to play games and socialize,” Nguyen said. “You build connectivity and community, and it feels good to do so.”

Competitive esports at the professional level has seen explosive growth with large competitions at sold out arenas such as Madison Square Garden. The Olympic Esports Games will be held in 2025 in Saudi Arabia.

“There is so much growth potential for the gaming center, and it truly caters to all,” said Vice President for Student Life Maria Blandizzi. “We will

have opportunities for students of all skill levels. This has become an important on-campus meeting place.”

Added Richard Woodruff, director of esports: “The future for the gaming center could include traveling competition teams. University leadership gets it. We feel connected with President Christopher Callahan and business Dean Lewis Gale.”

In addition to the library gaming facility, there is a gaming “lab” at the Eberhardt School of Business in Weber Hall.

“More than 3 billion people each day play some type of game either on their smartphone, on a console or on a desktop or laptop,” Gale said. “We use esports as a way to help students learn about basic business foundations.”

MAKERSPACE OPENS DOORS

TO CAMPUS

Similar things are happening at the Fletcher Jones Foundation Makerspace.

The makerspace, run by the School of Engineering and Computer Science, allows students to unleash their creativity and has given them unprecedented opportunities since opening in April.

A makerspace is a collaborative space for making, learning, exploring and sharing that provides tools ranging from high tech to low tech and emphasizes shared creativity.

Pacific’s makerspace has become a resource attracting students from a wide range of majors and disciplines. Data from university ID card swipes showed 28% of those using the makerspace in April 2024 were from outside the School of Engineering and Computer Science.

“We were absolutely thrilled to see that trend,” said Elizabeth Orwin, dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science. “We want the Fletcher Jones Foundation Makerspace to be a resource for all.”

Lupita Celis ’27, a second-year mechanical engineering student who also works as a makerspace steward, said the addition of the makerspace has “opened many possibilities for students and others.”

Celis noted the “enhanced quality” of engineering and computer science senior projects. Students were able to use laser cutters, 3-D printers and an array of tools.

“One of the most creative uses to me was a mechanical arm that could be used to control the air pump when administering CPR,” Celis said. “There also was work on a solar car and so many other projects.”

Jeremy Hanlon, who supervises makerspace operations, said he is excited to see the camaraderie within and beyond of the School of Engineering and Computer Science.

EXPANDING LIVING SPACES

Recent renovations to several historic Greek houses reflect a growing focus on creating vibrant, supportive environments where students can thrive. As more students seek a sense of belonging and connection, updating communal living spaces helps foster stronger bonds and enrich the college experience, promotes well-being and provides a foundation for personal and academic success.

GREEK HOUSE RENOVATIONS

Students living in Greek houses on Pacific’s Stockton Campus noticed improvements to the historic buildings when they returned to campus this fall. Renovations took place over the summer at four sorority and fraternity houses, including Alpha Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi and Theta Chi. “I love the new furniture, floors and paint they’ve added to the houses,” said student Alex Martinez ’26 who returned to the Beta Theta Pi house this year as the fraternity’s vice president of risk management. “With the new updates I’m really able to feel like I’m

at home with my brothers.” Creating a feeling of home is exactly the goal.

The renovations are part of a broader effort to revitalize Greek life at Pacific, which, like many universities nationwide, has experienced a decline in participation in recent years.

“We see tremendous value in Greek life and want to do everything we can to support it,” said Vice President for Student Life, Maria Blandizzi. “Greek organizations provide a strong support network for students and build a sense of community, which have been proven to contribute to student success.”

The university also has launched other initiatives to increase involvement. Greek Week was started in 2022 to increase awareness of Greek life at Pacific. Held twice a year, the event includes a full slate of programming, from service opportunities to mixers, and is open to all students.

A full-time Greek advisor was hired to provide support to organizations and the university is exploring opportunities to bring back organizations previously affiliated with Pacific.

“Institutionally, we have a desire to bring them back on campus,” Blandizzi said. “We see the value of those organizations having a history at Pacific.”

As California’s first and oldest university, Pacific has a long tradition of

Greek life dating to 1854. In addition to seven social sororities and fraternities, there are four multicultural and 13 professional Greek organizations at Pacific, which connect students with shared career interests.

In addition to the four university-owned Greek houses, there are two other Greek houses on campus—Delta Gamma and Kappa Alpha Theta. The homes are located next to the former Delta Delta Delta sorority house, which is being transformed into boutique lodging for alumni, families and guests visiting the Stockton Campus.

CAFE 1851 OPENS ITS DOORS

Students now have a new spot to grab a quick meal or snack on the north side of the Stockton Campus. This spring marked the grand opening of Cafe 1851, located on the ground floor of Calaveras Hall. The

cafe’s name pays homage to the year Pacific was chartered.

The grab-and-go facility was created in response to student requests for more accessible dining options. “It’s more convenient for students,” said student Kenneth Caslib ‘25. “Rather than having to cross the campus to go to the Grove, we can just go downstairs and grab a cup of coffee.”

“We are really pleased to work with our Bon Appétit partners to open this new grab-and-go dining facility for our students, faculty and staff,” said Josh O’Connor, assistant vice president of student life. “We are constantly listening to and engaging with our students to identify ways to support them and make campus life better. Cafe 1851 was in direct response to their desire for easy food options on the north side of campus.”

“WE SEE TREMENDOUS VALUE IN GREEK LIFE AND WANT TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO SUPPORT IT. WE SEE THE VALUE OF THOSE ORGANIZATIONS HAVING A HISTORY AT PACIFIC.”

MARIA BLANDIZZI

EXPANDING ACTIVE SPACES

Already teeming with high-quality recreation and athletic facilities to cater to busy Pacific students, the university expanded with a cricket pitch and pickleball and padel courts. In doing so, Pacific brought three of the world’s most popular sports to campus and, in some cases, merged sport and culture.

GROWING SPACE FOR SPORT AND CULTURE

Previously, students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries would cobble together makeshift cricket matches indoors at the Main Gym on the Stockton Campus. It was an uncomfortable way to play the world’s second most popular sport behind only soccer.

That all changed in March 2024.

More than 100 people gathered on Brookside Field to celebrate the opening of Pacific’s new cricket pitch. The atmosphere was festive with an exhibition match, Indian food, Bollywood performances and more in celebration of sport and culture.

The burgeoning interest in cricket has continued, contributing to the successful recruitment of Pacific international students, whose share of the student population rose to 13% during the 2023-24 school year.

30%

INCREASE IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FROM 2023 TO 2024

“Our university cricket team is now actively playing several times a week, with weekends being particularly lively,” said Niraj Chaudhary, dean of libraries and dean of Pacific Global. “They’ve even connected with the Stockton Cricket Club for friendly matches, building bridges with the local community. The ground has become a vibrant hub where students come together, find camaraderie and enjoy their favorite sport.”

Chaudhary played a huge role in the cricket boom on campus. And it all started with a simple sentence.

President Christopher Callahan was traveling with a university contingent near Ahmedabad, India, when Chaudhary told him: “We need a cricket pitch at Pacific.”

Callahan agreed and put Chaudhary in charge of the project. Several months later, the pitch was dedicated, and students were ecstatic.

“It means a lot to us that the university would build a cricket pitch. This shows how much Pacific cares about students,” said Devkumar Patel ’24, president of the Pacific Cricket Club, which has about 100 members. “Back home in India, we would play the sport every day. This will allow us to do the same thing here at Pacific.”

Men predominately play cricket, but Riya Jain ’25 would like to see that change. She embraces two important parts of the culture of India as a cricket player and a Bollywood dancer.

“Both are very important to me,” Jain said. “Dancing is a big part of my life; it is my passion. But I also am dedicated to striving to have more women in cricket. It is the national sport of India and should be available to women, too.”

Callahan said he knew the project would succeed.

“Niraj knows I am an easy sell,” Callahan said. “We wrote the plan for the facility on the way back from India and he is the one who made it happen.”

PICKLEBALL AND PADEL GROW IN POPULARITY

Not far from the cricket pitch, Pacific students gather for intramurals and pick-up games in pickleball and padel. The university entered into an agreement with the firm Taktika Padel to build the eight pickleball and four padel courts.

There are an estimated 8.9 million pickleball players nationwide and it is the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Padel, the world’s fastest-growing sport, has an estimated 30 million players in more than 90 countries.

In spring 2024, there were approximately 15 student teams competing in intramural pickleball. Noah Wong ’27, co-president of the Pacific Pickleball Club, along with Wadi Alkum ‘27, is working diligently to increase the number of students playing the sport.

“Our club is separate from the intramural group, but many are involved in both,” he said. “Pickleball is a friendly sport that anyone can play, and we are starting to see more people interested in it. We are doing all we can to promote the sport and I’m confident there will be a surge in interest.”

Pacific Recreation seeks to create more pickleball opportunities—including tournaments—to take advantage of the facility that expanded the university’s racquet sports complex, the gem of which is the Eve Zimmerman Tennis Center.

“We foresee a very bright future for pickleball and padel on campus,” said T.J. Toepfer, assistant director of programs for Pacific Recreation.

EXPANDING FUTURE SPACES

Two buildings on the Stockton Campus will be reimagined in 2025 to create new accommodations for students and visitors.

Plans are underway to build Southwest Hall into a thriving living and learning community for students, while a new inn will create a shared space for alumni, prospective students and others to enjoy visits to campus.

The new spaces embody Pacific—a blend of history and tradition mixed with modern amenities and technology.

A MODERN LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITY

Pacific will break ground early next year on a new Southwest Hall that retains the striking architectural features of the original century-old building while creating an interior that is a modern, state-of-the-art living and learning community for students.

“The design for Southwest is really reflective of Pacific,” said Vice President for Student Life Maria Blandizzi. “As California’s first university, we cherish Pacific’s rich history and traditions. At the same time, Pacific has a legacy of innovation, and we embrace that mindset by creating a space intentionally designed for 21st-century students.”

The three-floor building will have suite-style accommodations with 391 beds. There will be three suites for staff and faculty in residence, lounge space and 12 study spaces for individual and group work. Study nooks will include monitors, whiteboards and conference tables.

An interior courtyard will allow ample natural light into the building while providing space for students to socialize, relax and hold events.

Intentionally designed to retain the historic feel of campus, the facade will closely replicate the original 1924 building, preserving many of its distinctive architectural details. Brick has been carefully sourced from a local supplier in the Central Valley to match the current look and feel of the building.

Pacific plans to break ground on the new residential hall in the spring and open it to students fall 2026.

“PACIFIC IS A HISTORIC UNIVERSITY, IT WAS DEEPLY IMPORTANT TO US THAT WE PRESERVE THE ORIGINAL BUILDING’S AESTHETICS WHILE CREATING A SPACE THAT MEETS THE NEEDS OF CURRENT STUDENTS”

CHRISTOPHER CALLAHAN

The university also is working to achieve LEED gold certification, a designation that identifies buildings as energy efficient and sustainable. In addition to environmentally friendly lighting, compost bins and other elements, there will be an interior storage room for students’ bicycles.

Pacific explored the possibility of renovating the 100-year-old building, but engineers advised it could not be renovated smartly, safely and efficiently. Part of the

challenge was the building is really three different structures, with two having been added long after the 1924 opening. With the addition of the new Southwest Hall, Pacific will have 12 residence halls on the Stockton Campus. The university completed sweeping renovations to Grace Covell Hall and the Quad community last year. The four sorority and fraternity houses owned and operated by Residential Life and Housing were renovated over the summer.

A MODERN LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITY (cont.)

The additional space is needed to accommodate the rapidly growing residential population on campus. There are more than 2,000 students living on campus. In 2022, the university announced it would guarantee four years of on-campus housing for all undergraduates to combat housing shortages and spiraling rents off campus.

There are tremendous benefits to students that come with on-campus living, said Assistant Vice President for Student Life Josh O’Connor.

“Studies show students who live on campus perform better academically and are more likely to graduate,” O’Connor said. “They have better access to resources and are in an environment intentionally designed for them to thrive. There is also a greater sense of community, which plays a huge part in student success.”

President Christopher Callahan said he speaks regularly with alumni spanning generations about their years in Southwest Hall.

“Decades of alumni have cherished memories from their time in Southwest Hall,” the president said. “It was deeply important to us that we preserve the original building’s aesthetics while creating a space that meets the needs of current students. We are confident the new Southwest Hall will create new memories for future students while preserving our alumni’s pride in our storied history.”

“GIVING BACK WAS ALWAYS MY GOAL. EVEN AS A POOR STUDENT I TOLD MYSELF, IF I MAKE IT, I’M GOING TO GIVE BACK. NOW, I’M GRATEFUL TO DO SOMETHING THAT WILL IMPACT FUTURE STUDENTS.”

JIE DU ’90, ’93

THE JIE DU INN:

A NEW SPACE FOR ON-CAMPUS COMMUNITY

The Pacific Inn has a new name in honor of the generous donor whose $3 million gift set in motion the project announced in fall 2023: the Jie Du Inn.

“Giving back was always my goal. Even as a poor student I told myself, ‘If I make it, I’m going to give back.’ Now, I’m grateful to do something that will impact future students,” said Regent Jie Du ‘90, ‘93.

Born and raised in China, Du came to the United States in 1988 when Pacific offered her a full scholarship to pursue graduate studies at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy. She arrived in California with $50 in her pocket and two suitcases in hand. After earning master’s and doctoral degrees from the pharmacy school, she built a successful career as a researcher and pharmaceutical entrepreneur. She founded her own company, JDP Therapeutics Inc., and served as its president and CEO until it was acquired in 2019.

“Jie has been tireless in pursuing her own dreams while advancing the dreams of others,” said Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president for development and alumni relations. “We are truly fortunate that our students benefit from her example of grit and determination, as well as from her tremendous philanthropic legacy.”

Inspired by Du’s gift, other generous donors have stepped up to help the university nearly reach the $7 million goal.

The Inn will feature approximately 20 private rooms and suites, a grand parlor and dining and meeting facilities. It will host prospective students and families as well as alumni and other distinguished guests.

“The Jie Du Inn will bring our entire community together around our shared love for Pacific, with spaces to tell rich stories about our legacy and history,” said First Lady Jean Callahan, who is leading the fundraising campaign for the Inn. “We are thrilled about all that the Inn will do for Pacific and we’re grateful to Regent Du for bringing this vision so much closer to reality.”

There are opportunities to name rooms and spaces within the Inn, including a campaign to honor Judy Chambers ‘58, ‘60, Pacific’s late inaugural vice president for student life.

The Delta Delta Delta sorority, which previously resided in the building, is also raising money to name a room in the Inn.

LEANING ‘INN’ TO EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

When the Jie Du Inn opens its doors to guests, students will have opportunities for hands-on learning in marketing, event planning and other areas through the Eberhardt School of Business.

A new concentration in hotel and hospitality management is under development as part of the business administration program.

“There are always jobs in this industry and it’s really growing in the Central Valley. The wine industry is booming,” said Associate Professor Pete Schroeder. “Our students are going to be ready to go when they graduate.”

Opportunities for students to work with large hotel brands, major marketing firms and other companies are also being explored.

The concentration is currently going through review and could launch fall 2025.

To learn about how to support the Jie Du Inn and Southwest Hall, contact: Scott Biedermann ‘05, ‘20, vice president for development and alumni relations, at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.

In Christopher Callahan’s fifth year as president, Pacific is experiencing unprecedented success in its climb to become the best student-centric comprehensive university in the nation. In the last 12 months, the university has achieved record-breaking enrollment, reached its highest national rankings to date and was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

This progress is not accidental—it’s a testament to Callahan’s leadership, described by those around him as decisive, transparent, hands-on and personal. His presence has become a driving force behind Pacific’s ascent, galvanizing everyone toward a shared vision. Recently, he sat down for an interview to discuss that vision and Pacific’s future direction.

You spend a lot of time connecting with students, faculty and staff. What do you enjoy most about being so deeply involved with the university community?

This is a joyful job. The First Lady and I get to interact with not only these unbelievably smart, interesting, diverse, passionate students, but also our faculty who are equally inspiring and intellectually stimulating. And we get to do it all while living on the Stockton Campus. That’s a blessing. So what do we get? Joy. To be able to walk out the door and see our campus community in action—you can’t not be inspired by being around that every day.

You are entering your fifth year as president and the fourth year of working toward the ambitious goal of becoming the top student-centric, comprehensive university in the nation. What progress have we made?

We’ve made great progress, and at the same time we have a lot more work to do. Just this year, we announced our highest ever national academic ranking. The Wall Street Journal, which focuses on outcomes of an education, ranked us 87th in the country among all colleges and universities, public and private. [Editor’s note: Pacific moved up 40 spots from last year in the same measurement.] We’re very proud of that. And U.S. News and World Report ranked Pacific third in California, behind only Stanford and Caltech, in terms of the best value of a college education.

Earlier this year, we achieved something that was a strategic goal from day one, which was to become a Hispanic-Serving

“This is a joyful job. We get to interact with not only these unbelievably smart, interesting, diverse, passionate students, but also our faculty who are equally inspiring and intellectually stimulating.”

Christopher Callahan

Institution. That’s important, particularly here in California where the Latino population is the fastest growing and largest single population. We want to be able to serve them in the best ways possible. In fact, we’re the highest-ranked private university with HSI status in the country, and we’re one of only about 20 colleges out of 4,000 that have both HSI status and Asian American-serving status. That is a testament to the depth, diversity and momentum of University of the Pacific.

The university is celebrating the centennial anniversary of its move to Stockton. What is one aspect of Pacific you hope remains unchanged over the next 100 years?

Our main mission, which is the success of our students. And you might say, well, that’s the mission of all colleges and universities. As it turns out, it’s not. I’m not saying that in a derogatory way. I came from wonderful Research 1 universities–fantastic schools. Their main mission is the creation of new knowledge through research that helps the world in immeasurable ways. Our main goal has always been the same: the development and

success of students. Our faculty do great research. They do great creative activities. And you can see those every day. That does help our communities in the world. But that is second to the success of our students. That’s everything. My hope, and I am quite confident, is that it will remain our North Star for the centuries to come.

What do you think is Pacific’s secret sauce?

The relationship between faculty and students. I’ve been in higher education for more than 30 years. I’ve never seen anything like it. It transcends disciplines, campuses and time.

Jean and I are on the road a lot talking to different alumni, and they’re all different. They come from different backgrounds, different experiences, different majors, different times. But the core theme, when we say, ‘tell me about your Pacific experience,’ all starts off with those one or two special faculty members who changed the trajectories of their lives in meaningful ways. We call ourselves a relationship-based institution. I think that is true in every sense of the phrase. There are so many wonderful things about Pacific. But at its core, the special sauce is the relationship between our students and our faculty.

Professor Ken Albala and University Curator Lisa Cooperman sign “A Century in Stockton” during the centennial celebration of Pacific in the Central Valley.

DIALOGUE BY DESIGN

New Presidential Speaker Series Tackles Today’s Critical Conversations

A newly launched Presidential Speaker Series is bringing top thought leaders to Pacific to share ideas on the most important issues of the day.

“Great universities bring thought leaders to campus to expand the minds of students and our entire learning community,” said President Christopher Callahan. “I am delighted we have launched this signature speaker series, which we hope will be a cornerstone of the Pacific experience for years to come.”

Mónica Guzmán, the author of “I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times,” kicked off the series Oct. 24.

Guzmán serves as senior fellow for public practice at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America.

Her book and its concept of curious conversations in divided times have received considerable response in literary circles. The New York Times wrote in a review: “The book’s greater offering… is permission to reclaim people we might have dumped for ideological reasons. Such connections won’t sully us but may in fact enrich us.”

Cathy Davidson will be a featured speaker during the spring semester. She is a national higher education leader and the author of “The New Education: How to Revolutionize the University to Prepare Students for a World in Flux,” which explores how college professors can better drive student success.

“Cathy’s philosophies fit with what we are doing in our learning environments here at Pacific,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Aca-

demic Affairs Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert. “In her visionary book, she espouses the importance of student success and the role of teaching in those efforts. This is a great opportunity for Pacificans and the community to dialogue and learn.”

Judy Woodruff, a senior correspondent for PBS NewsHour and former anchor and managing editor of the award-winning national nightly newscast, also is scheduled for January.

After serving as the NewsHour anchor for more than a decade, Wood-

ruff is now traversing the nation producing “America at a Crossroads,” a series of in-depth stories examining divisions in the United States. Among her many awards is the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, which Pacific’s president bestowed on her in 2017 when he was dean of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

“Judy Woodruff has been one of the most talented and trusted journalists for decades,” Callahan said. “I look forward to hearing her analysis on where we are as a country–and where we might be going in the future.”

The Presidential Speaker Series is being held at the university’s historic Faye Spanos Concert Hall and is open to the public. Pacific plans to bring four speakers to campus each year.

Common Book Program

Pacific purchased Mónica Guzmán’s book for all first-year undergraduates to read and refer to in conversations in classrooms and residential halls as part of its first, university-wide common book program.

The common book program is intended to encourage engaging conversations, build community and help students become global citizens.

“Mónica’s book fits perfectly into our belief that we teach students not what to think, but how to think and engage with each other,” said Maria Blandizzi, vice president for student life. “This is a wonderful opportunity for incoming undergraduates to learn and apply those principles in their transition into our learning community.”

A new book will be selected each year for the Pacific community to read together, centered around a common theme.

LEADERS ON LEADERS

Each month, President Christopher Callahan meets with his counterpart in student governance and her deputy, as he has with each of their predecessors since joining Pacific in 2020.

“We’ve been blessed with fantastic student leaders the whole time that I’ve been here. It’s really important to meet and build solid relationships with them because they’re speaking for their constituents as elected officials,” he says.

Katherine Moreno ’25 and Simon Hinmon ’25 were elected as president and vice president of the Associated Students of University of the Pacific (ASuop) in March 2024. They see their charge, in part, as “being the bridge between students and administration.” Monthly meetings with the university president help them fulfill that role.

“Simon and I are on the ground, with the rest of the ASuop officers,” says Moreno. “I think that students have a vested interest in what’s going on” and an ability to observe areas of improvement across the campus not accessible to administrators.

Callahan concurs, saying that the meetings are “a great way to put our fingers on the pulse of what’s going on with students, what’s of interest, what’s of concern, what we should be working on. I find those meetings invaluable.”

Moreno and Hinmon, like their predecessors, “are really great thought partners, because the three of us all have exactly the same goal: make Pacific a better university and make it a better experience for our students,” says Callahan. “When you start off fully aligned with what you’re trying to get to, then meetings become more like brainstorming sessions, and I find that very invigorating.”

“It was definitely more of a conversation than a meeting, and we always appreciated that and his level of transparency. I think he had a lot of trust in us,” recalled Izzi Gomez ’24, president of ASuop during the 2023-24 academic year.

This collaboration between the highest levels of university and student governance is one of many expressions of the university’s student-centric ethos.

“I see it play out every minute of every day on every part of campus, whether it’s a group of students meeting with a faculty member or immersed in a lab or a studio or a classroom,” says Callahan. “Wherever they happen to be, I see them engaging with our students all the time.

“Mrs. Callahan and I try to model that,” he says.

Katherine Moreno ’25 and Simon Hinmon ’25

New LEADERS

LEWIS R. GALE, who has guided the Eberhardt School of Business through varied opportunities and challenges in several roles, was named dean for the second time in May.

Gale has served twice as dean and twice as interim dean and

ROB HENDERSON, who steadily worked his way up through several positions in his 23-year career at Pacific, was promoted to the cabinet-level position of chief of technology.

Henderson leads a staff of about 90 on the Stockton and Sacramento campuses and works closely with the San Francisco Campus on technology needs.

His previous technology roles have included project manager, leader of the network and systems, and teams and help desk leader.

Henderson’s accomplishments include helping the university tackle the COVID-19 pandemic,

taught for five years on the business faculty.

“Lewis Gale is a Pacific academic leader of the highest order: a smart and enthusiastic executive, a tireless and creative educator and one who is always looking ahead to identify emerging job markets,” said Pres-

moving technology staff to facilities on March Lane and years later back to campus and filling key leadership roles.

“We have a great staff and I am so proud of our team,” he said.

Henderson is known for his perpetual smile.

“I have had many people ask why I am always smiling,” he said. “I guess I just have a very positive outlook on life.”

He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University, Stanislaus.

Henderson and his wife Emily have two children: Carly, 18, and Kyle, 17.

ROB’S FAVORITES:

Book: “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth

Movie: “Top Gun” (the first one)

TV show: “Yellowstone”

Food: “I am a cheeseburger addict.”

Hobby or interest: “I love going out to the lake and just floating and relaxing.”

ident Christopher Callahan. “But most importantly, he cares deeply about the experience and ultimate success of our students.”

Gale, who has spent more than three decades in higher education, strongly believes in the value of a college education.

“Nobody will ever get an answer out of me that says anything except that college is worthwhile,” Gale said. “The evidence is clear that it is still the best human capital investment.”

Gale and his wife Candice have two children, both Pacific graduates: Maddie ’19, and Lewis Jr. ’24.

LEWIS’ FAVORITES:

Book: “My Effin’ Life” by Geddy Lee, frontman for the band Rush

Movie: “Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope” from 1977

TV show: “Seinfeld” followed by “Ted Lasso”

Food: “Give me a BBQ cheeseburger” Hobby or interest: “I play four instruments.” He plays guitar, bass guitar, keyboard and ukulele and is in a band with friends from his youth.

ASHLEY WILLIAMS ’ goal as director of presidential strategic initiatives—a cabinet-level position—is to lessen the university’s financial reliance on student tuition.

The initiatives she handles are multi-faceted, including rental of Pacific facilities to outside groups, developing prototypes of for-credit classes that bring high school students onto campus and exploration of new housing projects. Since moving into the position, Williams has helped spur a record number of on-campus events.

Williams reports to President Christopher Callahan and works on an array of strategies, many of which involve innovative revenuegenerating opportunities.

“We want to take advantage of the things we do well that align with our values and mission,” Williams said. “That includes new programs, grant opportunities and other synergies that we can leverage.”

Williams graduated from California State University, Stanislaus, with a degree in organizational communications. She earned a master’s degree in organizational development from the University of San Francisco.

SALLIE A. POGGI is the university’s new chief communications officer, a cabinet-level position reporting directly to the president. Poggi, previously the No. 2 communications executive at the University of California, Davis, took over at Pacific in July.

“We are thrilled Sallie has joined Pacific’s executive leadership team,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan. “She possesses deep knowledge of communications strategies and tactics, a digital-first focus, high emotional intelligence and a sense of urgency.”

Poggi will design and execute Pacific’s communications strategy to project the university’s student-centric focus to audiences regionally, nationally and globally.

“I am honored to serve University of the Pacific in this impactful role,” Poggi said. “Pacific’s dedication to the success of its students and commitment to diversity and inclusion was clear to me from the first time I stepped on campus.”

Poggi earned a bachelor of science in communications from UC Davis. She is married to Anthony, and they have two sons: Mateo, 10, and Marco, 7.

SALLIE’S FAVORITES:

Book: “The Song of Achilles,” by Madeline Miller

Movie: “The Princess Bride”

TV show: “Parks and Recreation”

Food: A bowl of homemade pesto pasta and a glass of wine.

Hobby or interest: Gardening

Williams and her husband Jeff have three children: Kate, 16; Elle, 14; and Brody, 11.

ASHLEY’S FAVORITES:

Book: “The Heart of Change” by John P. Kotter

Movie: “Moneyball”

TV show: Generally anything design related on the Magnolia Network

Food: Mexican Hobby or interest: “Watching my kids play sports”

New REGENTS

The Pacific Board of Regents has approved four new members whose deep and varied talents and experiences will benefit the governing board of California’s first and oldest university.

JESSICA COLEMAN ‘99 is founder of the nonprofits Color the Skies and Modesto Children’s Garden. The garden provides a place for children to be active and learn to grow produce while planting the seeds for a healthy future.

A native of Boise, Idaho, Coleman graduated from College of the Pacific in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

In 2022, she created a scholarship for Central Valley students studying nutrition at Pacific.

For many years, Jessica and her husband Greg brought the Color the Skies hot air balloon show to Ripon.

ROBERT EGLET ‘88 is one of the world’s most successful litigators. Among his many achievements, he represented the plaintiffs in the cases related to the 2017 Las Vegas Strip shooting.

Eglet and his colleagues secured a settlement of $800 million from MGM Resorts for the more than 4,400 litigants and victims of the shooting and their relatives.

He is a graduate of McGeorge School of Law and a generous contributor to Pacific.

Eglet and his wife and law partner, Tracy Eglet, made a historic gift to the McGeorge School of Law in 2021. The gift created scholarships for first-generation students and students of color and funded endowed chairs at the law school’s advocacy center, renamed the Eglet Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution in the couple’s honor.

BRADFORD “BRAD” GLEASON ‘81 has more than 25 years of experience in planning and executive management strategies for farming operations. He is the president of West Hills Farm Services, which specializes in managing equipment and harvest services for large-plot tree crops.

He previously served on the Board of Regents from 2017-2019 and earned a bachelor’s degree from the Eberhardt School of Business in 1981. He created two endowments in the business school to support students studying entrepreneurship.

With a passion for sustainable farming practices and a commitment to community service, he has made positive impacts in both agricultural and water management.

Gleason has three grown children and currently resides in Pebble Beach, California.

BRADFORD SHAFER ‘82 was a partner in the prestigious San Francisco law firm of Brobeck, Phleger and Harrison during the early 1990s. In 1996 he left the law firm to become general counsel for entrepreneurial medical device maker Heartport, Inc. In 1999 he became senior vice president and general counsel for Advanced Medicine, a biopharmaceutical company later rebranded as Theravance. The firm focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of next-generation medicines for respiratory diseases, bacterial infections and gastrointestinal distress.

Shafer graduated magna cum laude from College of the Pacific with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Last year he created an endowed scholarship for undergraduate students in the humanities and social sciences. He and his wife Carrie have five adult children and live in Napa.

Three regents, whose terms ended in 2024, leave a legacy:

EVAN DREYFUSS ’86 Elected to the board in July 2015, Dreyfuss is a portfolio manager with Twin Lake Total Return Partners, an investment firm he founded in 2022.

Dreyfuss and his wife Elizabeth continue to serve students through the Dreyfuss Family Fixed Income Fund, a student-run fund focused on bonds, and the Dreyfuss Fellowship Endowment, supporting participants in the Eberhardt School of Business Week on Wall Street program.

He earned a bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in finance from Pacific in 1986.

ANDREA LYNN HOCH ’84

Elected to the board in July 2015, Hoch was appointed associate justice to the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, serving from 201123. She served as legal affairs secretary for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger from 2005 to 2011.

Hoch also worked as a legal adviser for the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board, the Public Employment Relations Board and the Attorney General’s Office and has been in private practice.

She received her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and her JD from Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law and as a Regent, was a generous philanthropic supporter of McGeorge.

BRIAN MILLER ’91 Elected to the board in July 2021, Miller is a senior partner and chief people officer for Modern Executive Solutions. Miller has built a reputation for orchestrating cultural transformations and scaling workforces for high growth and start-ups.

He has worked in a variety of fields including cloud tech, food tech and biopharma.

He received a bachelor’s degree from Pacific and a master’s degree from Harvard University.

In Memoriam: Donald Shalvey

Donald Shalvey, a longtime member of Pacific’s Board of Regents, champion of charter schools and national leader in education for more than half a century, died March 16, 2024. He was 79.

Shalvey was a devoted educator who worked fervently to create learning opportunities for all students.

“For more than 50 years Don was dedicated to helping students of all ages achieve academic success. His leadership helped transform our public school and charter school systems,” said Board of Regents Chair Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt ’76.

Shalvey was the founder and CEO of Aspire Public Schools in San Joaquin County and throughout California.

From 2009 to 2020, Shalvey was deputy director for K-12 education at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In recent years, he fo-

cused on the quality of education in San Joaquin County K-12 schools as CEO of San Joaquin A+, an agency that works to improve classroom performance by all students. Another project was the recent Pacific Prep program, where students from two Stockton Aspire high schools took a specially designed Pacific college engineering course— taught by School of Engineering and Computer Science Dean Elizabeth Orwin—for which they earned college credit. The idea for Pacific Prep came from Shalvey, who joined the Board of Regents in 2015. Shalvey earned a doctorate in education specializing in educational leadership and administration from University of Southern California, a master’s degree in education with a concentration in counseling and guidance from Gonzaga University and a bachelor’s degree from La Salle University.

Above: Don Shalvey (pictured center) attends the Calaveras Hall ribbon cutting in 2018.

TOGETHER WE CLIMB

PACIFIC’S PATHWAY TO SOCIAL MOBILITY

For more than half a century, Pacific has been an engine of social mobility, helping students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, improve their economic standing and transform their futures.

Social mobility, defined as the ability of individuals or families to create socioeconomic stability and generational wealth, often through education, is central to Pacific’s mission. It’s a commitment that traces its roots to the 1960s, when Pacific launched the Community Involvement Program that provides scholarships to first-generation, low-income students from Stockton. It was a pioneering initiative that laid the groundwork for Pacific’s ongoing dedication to uplifting students from underrepresented communities.

While there are several pathways to achieving upward social mobility, earning a college degree remains one of the most effective and proven avenues that also has generational impact. Yet for many students—particularly those from families with incomes under $50,000 and who rely on federal Pell Grants—the road to a

degree can feel impossibly steep. Economically disadvantaged students face systemic barriers to completing college, regardless of their academic potential. For decades, Pacific has worked diligently to shift the tide for thousands of students, closing the gap between access and achievement.

The effort gained momentum earlier this year when the U.S. Department of Education designated Pacific a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The federal designation unlocks additional funding for universities with an undergraduate Hispanic population of 25% or more. The recognition also conveys a powerful message that Pacific students will find a community of peers who share similar experiences and aspirations, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

It’s a sentiment Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi ‘89 echoes.

“Pacific is a leader in social mobility and the students who are drawn to Pacific and excel here don’t just value cultural diversity—they embody it.”

In the Nation for Social Mobility

WALL

STREET JOURNAL / COLLEGE PULSE 2024

“These students are going to be the next generation of diverse leaders across a multitude of fields. They’re already here, and this designation gives us even more opportunity to support them on their journey.”

Pacific’s impact on social mobility is not just visible; it’s quantifiable. Institutions like the Wall Street Journal and U.S. News & World Report now factor social mobility into their rankings, measuring how well universities serve economically disadvantaged students. In the 2024 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Best Colleges rankings, Pacific was ranked 36th nationwide in social mobility and 8th among private colleges. According to a Georgetown University study that looks at Pell Grant recipients, Pacific ranks No.3 in California in career earnings for low income students—trailing only Stanford University and USC—a testament to the longterm value of a Pacific degree. U.S. News & World Report also recognized Pacific as a top performer in social mobility, ranking it 44th nationally.

As the university moves into an increasingly diverse and complex future, Pacific stands as a model of what higher education can and should be: a gateway to opportunity, driven by equity and sustained by the belief that education has the power to change lives and communities for generations to come.

PACIFIC BECOMES THE NATION’S TOP PRIVATE HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTION

In January 2024, the U.S. Department of Education designated Pacific a Hispanic-Serving Institution, making it the highest-ranked private university in the nation to achieve HSI status. The recognition marks a pivotal moment in Pacific’s history, highlighting its commitment to better serve its growing Latino student population and positioning it among a select group of 300 four-year universities holding the title.

Congress created the Hispanic-Serving Institution program in 1992 as part of the expansion of the 1965 Higher Education Act. Spearheaded by longtime higher education advocate Sen. Claiborne Pell (D-R.I.) and signed into law by President George H.W. Bush, the program was designed to channel federal resources to colleges and universities that enroll a significant Hispanic population. Federal funding for HSI institutions was first allocated in 1995, offering a vital lifeline to institutions committed to boosting student success for historically underserved groups.

To qualify for the designation, a university’s undergraduate student population must be at least 25% Hispanic. Under the leadership of Vice President Chris Ferguson, Pacific’s Hispanic undergraduate enrollment has risen steadily from 20.9% in fall 2019 to 29% today.

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Pacific can now compete for special federal grants to support Latino students, and others, in new and creative ways, expanding access to higher education and increasing their ability to complete degree programs.

The announcement of Pacific’s new status came in February during a ceremony held at the DeRosa University Center. President Christopher Callahan was joined on stage by Board of Regents Chair Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt ‘76; Regent Leticia Robles ’89, founder and pres-

In January 2024, the U.S. Department of Education designated University of the Pacific a Hispanic-Serving Institution, making Pacific the highest-ranked private university in the nation to achieve HSI status.

ident of Pacific Homecare Services; ASuop President Izzi Gomez ’24; and former Regent José Hernández ’84, who was the subject of the recent film, “A Million Miles Away,” which shows his inspirational journey from migrant farmworker to NASA astronaut.

“This is a critically important milestone in the 172-year history of California’s first and oldest university,” said President Christopher Callahan, who established the HSI designation as a primary strategic goal when he arrived in 2020. “The federal designation now means we will be able to compete for special resources to even better help our Latino students succeed, and continue to recruit the best, brightest and most deserving Latino students no matter their socioeconomic backgrounds.”

This fall the university applied for its first federal HSI grant. If awarded, it will help fund the development of an educational equity series for faculty, expand data infrastructure and transform curricula for science courses related to STEM fields. Nearly 35% of Pacific’s Hispanic students are STEM majors, a figure that highlights the growing demand for targeted support in these disciplines.

Provost and Executive Vice President Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert said the HSI designation will help Pacific better prepare students for the workforce after graduation and make the university an even more attractive place for employers to recruit the best and most diverse workforce.

“We’ve had companies reach out asking how they can partner with us for internships or get access to our career fairs,” she said. “It’s very important to companies that their employee base reflects the communities they serve, so Pacific being an HSI was something very appealing to them.”

The HSI designation has broader implications for the university community as well. Edwalds-Gilbert noted that the increasingly diverse student body is attracting more diverse faculty, many of whom are drawn to the opportunity to teach at an institution that reflects their values. “They are saying, ‘This is where I want to be. These are the students I want to teach’,” she said. “They see Pacific as a place where they can do meaningful work.”

Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi ‘89, vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, who led an early task force to prepare for the anticipated HSI designation, said research shows HSI universities measurably improve the retention and

The federal designation now means we will be able to compete for special resources to even better help our Latino students succeed, and continue to recruit the best, brightest and most deserving Latino students no matter their socioeconomic backgrounds.

CHRISTOPHER CALLAHAN

graduation rates of all underserved student populations. Prior to receiving the HSI designation, Pacific was already an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education.

“The data shows once you become an HSI or AANAPISI, you also do better by all students,” she said. “When you invest in any group that has been marginalized, the entire system gets better. The support gets stronger, the retention improves, the internships grow…everyone benefits.”

ASIAN AMERICAN AND NATIVE AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDERSERVING INSTITUTION

The AANAPISI designation was established by Congress in 2007 for colleges and universities where 10% of the undergraduate population identifies as Asian American or Native American Pacific Islander. Through the designation, Pacific is able to apply for grants and funding that expand its capacity to serve Asian Americans, Native American Pacific Islanders and lowincome students. With the addition of the HSI designation, Pacific is now one of about 20 institutions in the country to have both HSI and AANAPISI designations.

STUDENTS HAVE GRADUATED FROM CIP IN ITS 55-YEAR HISTORY

THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM: A LEGACY OF EDUCATIONAL EQUITY AT PACIFIC

The 1960s was a tumultuous decade in American history, marked by political upheaval, the counterculture revolution, anti-war protests and the fight for civil rights. This era of social awakening profoundly impacted higher education, compelling universities across the nation to adopt more inclusive admissions practices reflective of the changing demographics of the country. Amid this cultural reckoning, University of the Pacific answered the call for change.

In 1969, Pacific students from the Black Student Union and other progressive groups organized a peaceful protest at Burns Tower. Their demand: the university must take action to support the local community by providing scholarships to low-income students of color.

University President Robert E. Burns responded swiftly, convening an emergency meeting with the academic council. The next day, Burns announced the formation of the Community Involvement Program, a groundbreaking initiative that would offer scholarships to minoritized students from Stockton. The program was the first of its kind in the nation.

Today, CIP remains a cornerstone of Pacific’s commitment to local students, offering need-based scholarships to first-generation college students who demonstrate leadership potential and a deep connection to their

community. The program extends far beyond financial support. CIP scholars serve as mentors to local elementary and high school students as well as transfer students from San Joaquin Delta College, leading workshops on personal statement writing and how to fill out college applications, and—perhaps most importantly—instilling the belief that a college education is within reach.

Over its 55-year history, more than 2,000 students have graduated from CIP, including NASA astronaut José Hernández; Pacific’s first Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi; and business leader and regent Leticia Robles. These alumni, along with hundreds of teachers, civic leaders and nonprofit professionals, have returned to their communities and made lasting contributions, embodying CIP’s legacy of leadership and service.

“CIP was an access point to a Pacific education and a Pacific education is what opened up the world to me,” said Lomax-Ghirarduzzi, calling the program’s creation an act of courage by Pacific, one that bucked the dominant narratives of American society at the time.

“What CIP has done for Pacific—and for higher education more broadly—is create a model for how institutions can provide access and wraparound support for high-potential students from limited socioeconomic backgrounds. It was an investment in them and the contributions they would later make to the community.”

In a city where fewer than 20% of residents hold a college degree, CIP’s impact is profound. With an exceptional 87% graduation rate—far above the national average of 68%—CIP has played a critical role in ensuring students complete their college education, setting generations of Stockton’s brightest on a new trajectory.

“CIP is Pacific’s commitment to the Stockton community, and it has been for 55 years,” said Allison Dumas ‘95, associate vice president of community engagement and enrollment strategy. “With the generosity of our donors we are able to establish endowments to create a pipeline for this important work and make a sustainable impact in the community.”

This fall, the program celebrated its 55th anniversary with a gala during Homecoming and Family Weekend themed around dreams. The event served as a fundraiser for additional scholarships, bringing together alumni, donors and students to reflect on the collective efforts that have shaped the program's rich history and impact. Today, CIP stands as a testament to Pacific’s commitment to social change and educational equity, a legacy born from the student-led movement that reverberates today and will for generations to come.

To learn more about how to support the Community Involvement Program, contact Scott Biedermann, vice president for development and alumni relations at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.

BOLD FROM THE START 1924

A century ago, university leaders made the courageous leap to move Pacific’s campus from the Bay Area to Stockton, making it the first university in the Central Valley. It was a bold choice and a defining one for California’s first and oldest university, guided by a student-centered vision to expand opportunities for future generations.

Over the past 100 years, Pacific has produced innovators, change-makers and visionaries who have led the charge toward progress and a brighter tomorrow. From jazz legends and civil rights leaders to Olympic athletes and the first migrant farmworker to go to space, generations of Tigers have left their mark on the world by improving the human condition and prevailing against the odds.

Discover the moments that define us and the moments we have helped define. Our centenary in Stockton is a celebration of the people who have made the last 100 years possible and who will shape the next century and beyond.

1851

University of the Pacific is California’s oldest university, founded July 10, 1851—less than a year after California received statehood.

NEW BEGININGS

College of the Pacific opens in Stockton , becoming the first four-year university in the Central Valley. Tully Knoles, president from 1919–46, relocated the university to Stockton.

1924

McGeorge School of Law began as a one-room night school in downtown Sacramento in 1924 when it was founded as the Sacramento College of Law. In 1929, the Board of Trustees renamed the school McGeorge College of Law and in 1966 the school was acquired by University of the Pacific.

The School of Education opened as one the first in the West to offer a fouryear bachelor’s degree. In 1992 it was renamed the Gladys L. Benerd School of Education, honoring the alumna and retired Stockton teacher for her endowed gift. In 2019 it was renamed Benerd College when it merged with University College.

1925

Construction of the Mu Zeta Rho sorority house begins on the site of the new Jie Du Inn.

The Conservatory, constructed in 1924, was later named the Faye Spanos Concert Hall.

1928

Pacific’s alma mater, “Pacific Hail,” is composed by Lois Warner Winston ‘23.

In the spring, the men’s basketball team won the Far Western Con ference basketball championship for the first time.

Captain Frank Heath ‘30

1932 Tully Knoles and faculty take voluntary pay cuts to avoid layoffs during the Great Depression.

Tully Knoles with Gurdial Singh ‘34

1937 Gurdial Singh ‘34, an international student from India, returns to Pacific to teach “Interpretations of Indian Life and Thought.”

Morris Chapel is completed Construction of the building began in 1939.

1941 Pacific Weekly:

“Work on the new chapel on the north side of Weber Hall, begun during the summer, is rapidly progressing.”

1943 58 Pacific men, members of the U.S. Army Enlisted Reserved Corps, are called up. In total, more than 2,000 Pacificans served in World War II.

1955

Established the School of Pharmacy

In 2001 it was named the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy.

1957

Established the School of Engineering and Computer Science

The Order of the Pacific is created. The highest award the university can give, it honors regents, faculty, administrators and staff who have given distinguished service and made outstanding contributions to the university.

In 1950, Tommy the Tiger, a 450 pound 4 year-old tiger is brought to campus and becomes Pacific’s mascot.

1962 Pacific expands its footprint to San Francisco with the acquisition of its dental school, the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

1964 Burns Tower construction completed

See page 108 for history of Burns Tower

1946 Robert Burns succeeds Tully Knoles as President. Stanley McCaffrey becomes Pacific’s 22nd president.

1947 Wilhelmina Harbert starts the music therapy program.

1953 The Dave Brubeck Quartet led by Dave Brubeck ’42 records the live album “Jazz at the College of the Pacific.”

Students getting ready in one of the university’s Quonset residence halls in the 1950s. Later torn down, the buildings sat on what is now the lawn of the DeRosa University Center.

College of the Pacific renamed University of the Pacific

1973 On-campus courtroom opens for Pacific’s law students in Sacramento.

1973 Pacific becomes the only university in the U.S. (at the time) to offer a curriculum taught in Spanish.

In 1978, a Pacifican article notes that in the near future microcomputers will become so inexpensive that everyone will be able to own one.

This cover image from a 1962 Pacific Review shows students on Knoles Lawn.

Senior class officers unveil a new University of the Pacific sign on Harriet M. Smith Memorial Gate.

The men’s basketball team practices in the excavation site for the Alex G. Spanos Center in 1980.

The Baun Fitness Center opens, allowing students to no longer work out in a former airplane hanger.

1981 1992

The Alex G. Spanos Center opens its doors for its first event, Convocation.

1983 More than $3.2 million is raised by the Pacific community to begin renovations on the university’s library.

Pacific’s beloved Homecoming pep rally returned in 1982 with the theme “Tradition and You.”

1985 Woman’s volleyball wins the NCAA national tournament.

1987 Bill Atchley becomes the 23rd president.

1993 Dr. Maya Angelou takes the stage and speaks at Pacific’s commencement.

1995 Donald DeRosa becomes Pacific’s 24th president.

1995 School of Business renamed Eberhardt School of Business

1995 “World Wide Web Comes to Campus” The Pacifican explains how students can surf the web in computer labs.

Professor Emeritus Louise Stark programmed Pacific’s first home page, www.uop.edu.

An English major, featured in the 1992 yearbook, takes a break in between classes.

1996 Brad Schumacher ‘96 returns home after winning two gold medals in swimming at the ‘96 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

1999 Pacific welcomes Powercat as the new university mascot.

The new Powercat logo (released in 1998) went through eight months of review by the Board of Regents, Athletics staff, student representatives, ASuop and alumni.

EBERHARDT SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 1977

President DeRosa announces a $13 million donation from the Thomas J. Long Foundation to the University.

2007 Robert and Jeannette Powell pledged $100 million to Pacific, the largest gift in the university’s history and among the biggest single bequests to any higher education institution in the United States.

2009 Pacific alumni and astronaut José Hernández ’84 becomes the first migrant farmworker to go to space.

2014 2020 2001

2002 The Board of Regents approve a $41 million investment in campus improvements, including a new student center.

2008 The Don and Karen DeRosa University Center finishes construction and opens its doors to the Pacific community.

Rendering of proposed design for the new student center, later named the Don and Karen DeRosa University Center.

2004

The School of Dentistry is renamed the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.

2009 Pamela A. Eibeck becomes Pacific’s 25th president.

Moved the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry to new facility in downtown San Francisco.

2018 Pacific partners with the Little Manila Foundation and the Filipino National Historical Society Museum on “Little Manila Recreated,” a virtual reality recreation of Stockton’s Little Manila.

2019 Pacific establishes the School of Health Sciences, which would open its doors in 2020 with programs across the university’s three campuses.

2021 A roaring comeback Pacific returns to in-person teaching after being a year-plus online due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Christopher Callahan becomes Pacific’s 26th president.

2023 With 6,755 students in fall 2023, Pacific recorded the largest student population in its history, an 11% increase from 2021.

2024

As we look to 2025 and beyond, Pacific remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation and impact. The same daring spirit that brought us to Stockton a century ago continues to propel us forward, inspiring new generations of Tigers. The next century is ours to create and, as history has shown, the possibilities are limitless.

SCAN TO INTERACT WITH THE TIMELINE

Students in a computer lab work on a vintage Mac computer in 2003.

ARTHUR

DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE OF WORK

Guided by a surge in data-driven careers and increasing health care needs, Pacific launched six new academic programs to prepare students for in-demand career fields.

At the center of the innovative programs are Pacific’s faculty—the architects of the university’s curriculum. Guided by their expertise and student-centered focus, Pacific is laying the groundwork for student success in the careers of the future.

CURRICULUM INNOVATION DAY Additional events are in the works as the result of an innovative new event dubbed Curriculum Innovation Day. Pacific professors from across disciplines came together for the brainstorming session held in January to develop bold new ideas for future interdisciplinary programs.

More than 50 faculty members from Pacific’s three campuses engaged in the wide-ranging discussion, covering everything from mental health and peace studies to artificial intelligence, sustainability and more. Participants jotted down their ideas on giant whiteboards as they moved around the room.

“I really think we’re going to look back at this day as one of the most important in the modern era of Pacific,” said President Christopher Callahan. “This is the day that we are tangibly charting a new future for our university.

“Our mission is about education and the success of our students. And the foundation of that is very simple. It’s you. It’s our faculty members. You are our idea creators, our designers and our curriculum architects.”

Curriculum Innovation Day was inspired by the launch of Pacific’s interdisciplinary undergraduate major in data science. Mathematics Professor John Mayberry was among the lead designers for the new program and the event’s chief architect.

“Some of the topics and how they mesh together were mind expanding to me,” Mayberry said. “Realizing we have more in common than we think and there are new creative ways of combining things is really powerful.”

Two new interdisciplinary programs were created as a result of the collaboration—sustainability, and entrepreneurship and product design—and others are being considered.

“This is what we love to do—brainstorm ideas and come up with things together,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert. “It’s really wonderful that we were able to bring so many people together.”

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DATA SCIENCE An interdisciplinary undergraduate major in data science is preparing students for one of the fastest-growing fields in the world.

Applications for data science are wide ranging, from building self-driving cars to keeping a company’s data secure to analyzing recruits for sports teams.

“In today’s world there is an abundance of information and data, and almost all decisions and aspects of life are driven by that information,” said Computer Science chair Chadi El Kari. “The ability to analyze and make informed decisions based on data is extremely important, whether it’s for businesses, policymaking or other environments.”

The four-year program is designed for students interested in the humanities and social sciences as well as computer science and engineering. It opened to students on the Stockton Campus fall 2024.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE A pharmaceutical science degree prepares students for careers as scientists and specialists who help design and manufacture new drugs in the rapidly expanding pharmaceutical industry.

The program is the only undergraduate program of its type in California, focused on creating a new workforce for pharmaceutical manufacturing com-

panies, diagnostic laboratories and biotech firms.

“This new degree program is really different from the others in our focus on creating pathways for our graduates to go straight into industry jobs after four years,” said Dean Berit Gundersen. Students can also continue their studies to earn a doctor of pharmacy degree.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN GENERAL STUDIES A degree completion program is designed for professionals working in education who started bachelor’s programs but never earned their degrees.

“Students who have to put their education on hold often have a hard time going back to school later to complete their degrees,” said Benerd College Dean Patricia Campbell. “This program allows them to finalize their degrees and further their careers.”

The courses are taught online to allow for maximum flexibility with cohorts to ensure strong support networks.

Students also have the option to continue their studies with a direct pathway to the online master of arts degree in education and credential program. This pathway allows students to use 13 units from their general studies degree toward their master’s degree.

MASTER

OF SCIENCE IN NUTRITION SCIENCE The master’s degree in nutrition science is designed for practicing dieti-

tians and dietetic students and interns pursuing the registered dietitian/nutritionist credential.

Legislation passed earlier this year changed the national minimum requirement to become a registered dietitian from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree.

Registered dietitians already in practice are allowed to continue working but will be at a disadvantage in their careers.

“Many practicing registered dietitians are already in managerial positions and newcomers will outrank them in degree,” said Long Wang, program director and chair of the Department of Nutrition at Pacific. “If you have a graduate degree, you immediately qualify for a higher pay grade and are on the fast track for promotion.”

The program differs from Pacific’s clinical nutrition program in that it does not include a clinical rotation component.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN REGULATORY SCIENCE The new graduate program in regulatory science will train students for careers in the biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device industries.

Professionals trained in regulatory science ensure that new pharmaceutical drugs, devices and health care products comply with all regulations in domestic and global markets.

Students will be prepared to work for the U.S. Food and Drug

Administration, global regulatory agencies and private companies, and in academia.

Courses are taught on Pacific’s Stockton Campus and can be completed in 16 months.

“Students get hands-on experience in this program, including developing FDA submission protocols with our faculty who are doing cutting-edge research,” said Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy Dean Berit Gundersen. “Having real-world experience helps students stand out when they graduate.”

MASTER

OF ARTS IN COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY Pacific’s new counseling psychology program, which launched fall 2024, focuses on marriage and family counseling, an area with a severe shortage of services, especially locally.

“Mental health practitioners are scarce compared to the overall population and that certainly is the case with marriage and family counseling. The shortage is very serious in San Joaquin County,” said Justin Low, program lead and associate professor.

The program is part of Benerd College’s strategic move into areas of social education.

“Leadership, education and behavioral and mental health are three areas of focus within our degree programs,” said Patricia Campbell, dean of Benerd College. “We are really expanding.”

“I REALLY THINK WE’RE GOING TO LOOK BACK AT THIS DAY AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT IN THE MODERN ERA OF PACIFIC.”

President Christopher Callahan

ARTHUR A. DUGONI SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY

FILLING THE NEED

“E

ye opening” is how Peto Choti ’25 can best describe his experience traveling to Jamaica with classmates from the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 2023. “I didn’t realize how impactful it would be,” Choti said. “It was eye opening to see the amount of privilege we have in the U.S., especially at the dental school where we are used to seeing patients coming in regularly for cleanings compared to patients who have never seen a doctor or dentist before.”

Choti and 39 other students performed free dental work for more than 730 patients under the supervision of 10 Dugoni faculty members during their week-long stay. They performed mostly extractions and cleanings with some more extensive procedures, such as root canals.

"We often see a patient who comes to our clinic with severely decayed front teeth. After a couple of hours, the teeth have been restored and the patient leaves with a smile they're proud of," said Clinical Assistant Professor Mark Stevenson, who joined the students on the trip. The experience also strengthened the relationships between faculty and students. "We develop a connection, and that makes it easier for the faculty to teach and mentor students for the remainder of the academic year," he said.

While the Jamaica trip is their largest annual effort, students also travel to rural Guatemala and the Philippines each year, raising all necessary money to fund their trips and organizing the supplies they’ll need.

Executive Associate Dean Eve Cuny, who has been overseeing the trips since they began in 2009, says the experience provides a new perspective for students.

“It gives them a sense of their professional obligation to give back as part of being in the health care field,” Cuny said. “We have had students who come back and say this is one of the most impactful and memorable things they did in their three years in dental school.”

The commitment to serve is a core principle of students’ education in the dental and dental hygiene programs. In Dugoni’s San Francisco clinics, students provided approximately $13 million of discounted care to the community during the 2023-24 academic year.

Students also volunteer extensively in the Bay Area through the student-run SCOPE organization, which stands for Student Community Outreach for Public Education. The club, which volunteers at about a dozen events throughout the year, has had a tremendous impact since forming in 1993.

Associate Professor Christine Miller, director of community health programs, says its focus is providing students service learning experiences while meeting the needs of the community.

“Service learning is about increasing access to oral health care services for people who are experiencing the greatest oral health care disparities,” Miller said.

During the last academic year, students in SCOPE donated nearly 1,400 hours of service, providing oral health and diabetes screenings and services to children, senior citizens, military veterans, the unhoused community and people experiencing disabilities.

Priscilla Hu ’25, a third-year dental student, was chair of the club’s Special Olympics committee last year and supported outreach for people

“We often see a patient who comes to our clinic with severely decayed front teeth. After a couple of hours, the teeth have been restored and patient leaves with a smile they’re proud of.”

Mark Stevenson, clinical assistant professor

with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The athletes have come to recognize many of the volunteers, who provide oral health screenings, risk assessments for cavities and oral hygiene instructions.

“They know they can rely on us to help them,” Hu said. In turn, the experience has proven invaluable in developing her own professional skills.

“I just finished my special care rotation a week ago and I came into that rotation with so much more knowledge and experience (because of SCOPE),” she said.

Choti also brought back new skills from his time in Jamaica.

“We learned a lot about teamwork and being able to adapt,” he said. “We didn’t have the same equipment as here at the school. We were working out of lawn chairs and office chairs, so it forced us to be adaptable.”

Dugoni students are filling needs in the community and abroad while preparing to become better practitioners when they graduate.

“It’s very meaningful,” Hu said. “Going to these events makes me realize why I’m doing dentistry in the first place—being able to help out the community.”

? To support students at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, contact Eric Dumbleton, associate dean of development, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, edumbleton@ pacific.edu, 415.929.6422.

PAVING THE WAY FOR THE FUTURE GENERATION BENERD COLLEGE

At Benerd College, collaborating directly with the Stockton community to support students of all ages by developing effective teachers is core to the school’s mission.

ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY TO IMPROVE EDUCATION Benerd College works directly with school districts and educational agencies in California to address the most pressing challenges facing the educational system today, including the shortage of teachers and the need for continued education to help teachers adjust to changing technologies and student needs.

One such program is a teacher residency program, known as REACH, which was crafted with the Elk Grove Unified School District.

“Elk Grove Unified School District experiences a shortage of Special Education teachers every year,” said Brittany Auernig-Roan, assistant dean of Benerd College. “The REACH residency program allows Elk Grove to build their own special education teacher workforce.”

In partnership with Elk Grove Unified School District, Pacific wrote and submitted a grant application to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for developing the program.

REACH allows Elk Grove to hire up to 20 student teachers as paraprofessionals and provide them with a $20,000 stipend to help pay for their master’s degrees in education and both mild to moderate support needs and extensive support needs preliminary teaching credentials through Pacific.

“Being a special education teacher is more than just a job—it’s a calling. It demands a deep level of empathy, patience and resilience, as each day brings unique challenges and victories,” Auernig-Roan said. “REACH is incredibly supportive, offering aspiring educators hands-on experience alongside skilled mentors in real classroom settings. This immersive approach combines coursework with evidence-based teaching, providing residents with the guidance, feed-

back and resources they need to build confidence and competence.”

The custom program is a hybrid model (both in-person and online) to accommodate schedules for professionals who are working by day and learning by night. In addition, REACH actively recruits teacher residents from diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures to reflect and represent the Elk Grove student body.

“Our teacher residents come from all walks of life. Some are recent graduates, while others are retired professionals eager to transition into a new career and make a difference in students’ lives. Each teacher resident brings a unique perspective and set of experiences that we deeply value,” Auernig-Roan said.

Students who graduate and obtain their teaching credentials are guaranteed a teaching position in the Elk Grove Unified School District. Since launching four years ago, 70 students have graduated and another 19 are active in the program

"My experience in the REACH program through Elk Grove Unified and University of the Pacific provided hands-on training and essential support to step into my role as a full-time high school special education teacher,” said recent graduate Leslie Freeman ’24. “This opportunity has allowed me to bring meaningful support to students and help them achieve their unique potential."

The grant is funded for the next two years. Pacific and Elk Grove Unified School District are currently recruiting new teacher residents for the 2025-26 school year.

MATH STEEPLECHASE Benerd also partners with local school districts to offer an engaging STEM experience on campus.

Since 2008, Benerd College’s Math Steeplechase, a one-day event held every spring, has provided a unique learning experience for local fifth graders. It has become a cherished tradition.

“The Benerd College Math Steeplechase is more than a competition—it's a celebration of creativity, critical thinking and team-

“This event is designed to be both fun and challenging for the students.”

Dr. Dennis Parker, associate professor

work in mathematics, science and athletics. Students push boundaries, solve complex problems and discover the thrill of learning in a dynamic, supportive environment,” Auernig-Roan said.

For many, the event is their first time on a college campus and is a unique learning experience with lasting impacts.

This past year, the event welcomed more than 900 fifth graders who participated in science experiments, athletics challenges, a scavenger hunt across the Stockton Campus and the Math Steeplechase competition. More than 130 Pacific faculty, staff, students and local volunteer students and teachers helped run the event.

Pacific alumna Sara Lopez ’22, who grew up in Stockton, vividly remembers her experience as a participant.

“As a 5th grader, the Math Steeplechase was my first time being around college students. I will never forget the impact it had on me—seeing their love of learning,” Lopez said. She decided to become a teacher and committed to Pacific for her teacher education degree program.

Today, Lopez teaches second grade at Aspire Vincent Shalvey Academy, the elementary school she attended as a child, where she gives back to the community by educating students of diverse backgrounds and identities.

? To support Benerd College, contact Amber Flores, assistant vice president for development, aflores6@pacific.edu, 209.946.7345.

COLLEGE OF THE PACIFIC

CRIMINAL JUSTICE INTERNS' IMPACT AT STOCKTON NONPROFITS

Over the summer, 18 Pacific students interested in criminal justice gained real-world experience while making a positive community impact through internships at five Stocktonarea nonprofits.

Thanks to the Pacific Re-Entry Program created in the College of the Pacific, students studying criminal justice, sociology and political science took on paid internships that offered valuable, hands-on learning in their fields.

“Students are seeing the humanity of persons within the system. It’s not just a process of what happens to people. These are real people; these are their real lives and their situations,” said Assistant Professor Jennifer Medel, who directed the students in the program.

The five nonprofits serve individuals living in juvenile hall, under correctional supervision, on probation or on parole, and their affected families and communities. Students gained valuable and often eye-opening experiences. They organized and led rehabilitative programs, supported clients in court and in the community and organized neighborhood events.

“The internship helped me establish interpersonal connections in terms of helping people that are currently being impacted by the system itself and helped me realize that some people are still impacted even after they’ve been released,” said criminal justice major Aiden Chea ’24.

CONCRETE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Criminal justice major Ella LeRoy ’24 spent her internship with Concrete Development, a Stockton community violence intervention organization.

“The goal of the organization is to reduce violence within communities using people-centered approaches. They do not tar-

get crimes directly but rather violence-prone individuals,” LeRoy said.

The organization supports clients processing their own experiences with violence and trauma. It provides them with tools and resources to break the cycle, so they are less likely to engage in criminal activity or actions that are hurtful to themselves or others. LeRoy contributed to a 12-week program designed to teach self-healing, self-advocacy and self-development.

“I think one of the main things I learned as a criminal justice major is how broad the area of criminal justice is and that the process should start at the intervention stage, far before people enter the system,” LeRoy said. “Criminal justice is about much more than just probation and the law. There’s a lot more that goes into intervening and preventing violence.”

“These are real people; these are their real lives and their situations.”

Jennifer Medel, assistant professor

MARY MAGDALENE COMMUNITY SERVICES

Sociology major Jasmine Stallworth ’25 interned for My Brother’s Keeper, a program sponsored by Mary Magdalene Community Services. My Brother’s Keeper was specifically created for troubled teenage boys of color to help them reach their life goals and break abusive patterns. The program offers mentorship, college visits and activities that encourage youth to engage with the Stockton community.

“The reason I chose My Brother’s Keeper was because it allowed me to get experience in juvenile hall working with incarcerated youth,” Stallworth said. “It was also about getting experience in the community and working with others, because supporting youth is something that I’m passionate about. Our youth are the future.”

Stallworth and two other interns went on to create My Sister’s Keeper, which is dedicated to equipping a diverse community of girls in their educational pursuits.

“It’s a program for girls where they are able to come and learn about different topics such as higher education, womanhood and relationships,” she explained. “We’re trying to create a community in which girls feel safe, have someone to talk to and can come together.”

READY TO WORK Chea worked behind the scenes at Ready to Work, which helps homeless and formerly incarcerated people who struggle to get a chance at job opportunities. It hosts a variety of classes to help clients get on their feet again. Chea and other interns facilitated the program, providing in-depth healing and leadership development training, organizing workshops and hosting events like movie nights.

One of the goals of the PReP program is to help Pacific students see the humanity of people in the criminal justice system.

“I think the actual lived experiences that I’ve gotten before leaving Pacific and going into the workforce are invaluable and something that I’ll always be grateful to this university for providing,” LeRoy said.

? To support College of the Pacific, contact Amber Flores, assistant vice president for development, aflores6@pacific.edu, 209.946.7345.

MUSIC THERAPY, A CALLING FOR MANY WHO GIVE CARING COMFORT CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

The history of music therapy at Pacific dates to 1938 when Wilhelmina “Billie” Harbert taught the first class—“Musical Guidance and Therapy”—in a discipline that soothes those dealing with medical issues, mental health concerns and more.

Professor and Program Director Eric Waldon sees a commonality among practitioners in music therapy.

“For many, this is more than a college major or a job. It is a calling,” Waldon said. “They have clients who often are dealing with immense suffering or pain, and they embrace the importance of their work.” This year Pacific’s music therapy program became the first in the nation to establish an accredited bachelor’s degree that can be achieved in four years rather than the five required at other universities.

GABBY CAMPITELLI ’24 (LEFT), whose primary instrument is guitar, also has an extensive background in vocals. She is well versed in “about a half dozen” percussion instruments, many of them ethnic drums. Music was in her family, her father being a drummer.

“With music therapy, you often play excerpts of songs, not a whole piece,” she said. “Sometimes it is a matter of how the client reacts.”

All music therapy students must be able to play piano, guitar, vocals and percussion in addition to their primary instrument. Campitelli is working on her internship this year as part of the requirements of the major.

Campitelli said her most memorable interaction with a client was a request

that she play “Just Breathe” by grunge band Pearl Jam and lead vocalist Eddie Vedder.

“She was going through intense chemotherapy when she asked me to play and sing the song,” Campitelli said.

“Oh, I’m a lucky man to count on both hands

The ones I love, some folks just have one Yeah, others they have none, stay with me

Let’s just breathe”

Campitelli said both cried when the song was completed and “the moment remains with me.”

HASINA TORRES ’24 comes from a musical background: her mother graduated in music education from Pacific’s Conservatory of Music and “there always was music around us while I was growing up.” Her father also graduated from Pacific.

Her primary instrument is cello but she plays piano as well. “Guitar was my only real tester, but I have become more comfortable with it,” she said.

Torres had a challenging and memorable interaction that “really sums up what music therapy is all about.”

“I was working in Hospice and my client, who had two strokes and lost some of the mobility of her arms, was quiet the whole time as I sang ‘What a Wonderful World.’ Suddenly, she told me ‘You have such beautiful eyes,’ and I told her that her eyes were beautiful too. It made us both so happy.”

“For many, this is more than a college major or a job. It is a calling.”

Eric Waldon, professor and program director

KEVIN ALVAREZ ’15, ’23 has been in the music therapy field for a decade since earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Pacific.

Waldon said it was a boon for the Conservatory when Alvarez chose to get his graduate degree at Pacific, because “he could have gone anywhere and succeeded.”

Alvarez was drawn to Pacific by conversations with the late Professor Eric Hammer, who shared why music therapy at Pacific would be the right fit for him.

“Dr. Hammer was such an amazing person and so many of us were touched by his caring nature,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez’s memorable interaction was with a client who was on a feeding tube and had a full-time nurse.

“We would find songs to sing along with his mother. One amazing moment was when he started smiling and singing and he was realizing that he could do what we were doing. His eyes just lit up. There are so many rewarding times in this work.”

? To support students at the Conservatory of Music, contact Yvette Khan, assistant dean for development, ykhan@pacific.edu, 209.932.2978.

EBERHARDT SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

GAUGING THE SENTIMENT OF STOCKTON RESIDENTS

In fall 2023, undergraduate business student Nehal Bhachu '23, '25 signed up for two required business classes: Bidisha Burman’s marketing research class and Cecilia Ruvalcaba’s consumer behavior class. She had no idea that the real-world case study she would go on to analyze would reignite her passion for marketing and set her on a new career path.

“I really loved the experience and it definitely deepened my love for marketing,” said Bhachu, who is now pursuing an MBA at Pacific in business analytics. Along with her classmates and professors, Bhachu evaluated a trove of data compiled from a resident sentiment survey for Visit Stockton, a nonprofit charged with promoting and marketing the city.

The collaborative project between the nonprofit and Pacific’s Eberhardt School of Business started in 2021 when Wes Rhea, who was CEO of Visit Stockton at the time, met with Thomas Pogue, executive director of the university’s Center for Business and Policy Research.

“I didn’t know where it was going to go, but we wanted to see if the Eberhardt School of Business would be a good partner in our project,” said Rhea, who is now president and CEO of Visit Lodi.

The project involved collecting data from Stockton residents via a sentiment survey about their thoughts and recommendations for the city. Pogue posed the idea at a faculty meeting and Burman didn’t hesitate to express her interest.

“I was at the meeting and jumped at the opportunity,” she recalled. “Visit Stockton expressed a desire to work with students and I saw it as a chance to create a class project as well.”

Students were tasked with developing the inaugural Stockton resident sentiment survey

to measure the feedback of the city’s populace. They created a 42-question survey with closed and open-ended questions and distributed it in summer 2021. Surveys were mailed and made available online and through various social media channels. A total of 2,353 residents responded.

“People really had a lot to say coming out of the pandemic, and we received some good feedback,” Rhea said, including input for the popular Stockton Flavor Fest, an annual waterfront festival with food, music and cultural activities.

“ People really had a lot to say coming out of the pandemic, and we received some good feedback. ”

Wes Rhea

Burman then brought the survey data to her fall 2021 class to analyze. “The analysis with this much rich data is very in-depth, so it does take a lot of time,” she said. “I needed to cover everything for the client, and also have the students learn the practical aspects and applications.”

To assist with the qualitative analysis, Burman turned to Ruvalcaba. “She is a qualitative researcher herself, so I asked if she could help with the open-ended questions, and she eagerly agreed to it,” Burman said.

Outside the class, Burman hired student interns to compile a professional report with charts and graphs to ultimately deliver to the client. That’s where Bhachu was able to shine. She helped analyze a second survey administered in summer 2023 using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), a robust data analysis program.

In 2023, they received a total of 1,797 responses. One notable finding was that 77% of respondents incorrectly assumed Visit Stockton was funded through taxes. After learning the organization is a nonprofit funded by tourism dollars, respondents rated it more favorably. This gave Visit Stockton an opportunity to highlight that message in future communications. The results of the survey were also shared with Stockton’s city council and elected officials to advocate for some of the changes residents would like to see in the city, including addressing concerns surrounding trash and blight.

The partnership has been so successful that both entities intend to continue the collaboration. “It’s been a joy to work with the students and the professors,” Rhea said. “They are so open to the partnership and it has really been a win-win for everyone involved.”

Bhachu echoes that sentiment. “I do think this was a really great collaboration between Visit Stockton and University of the Pacific, in that it gives the students an opportunity to make a difference in the city where they are living and going to school,” she said. “And now that I am also a part of the Stockton community, I want to make that difference too, and this project has helped me do that.”

? To support students at the Eberhardt School of Business, contact Rob Wagner, sr. assistant dean for development, Eberhardt School of Business, rwagner@pacific.edu, 209.932.4443.

MCGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW

HOLISTIC LAWYERING FOR SACRAMENTO’S UNHOUSED

Third-year law student Maya Alexandria ’25 has a new perspective on lawyering after her experience working at the McGeorge School of Law’s Buccola Family Homeless Advocacy Clinic over the summer.

“My clinic position gave me invaluable experience and insight into holistic lawyering— that is, a lawyering approach that doesn’t just look at the client’s legal issues but how their legal issues came to be,” Alexandria said.

The Buccola Family Homeless Advocacy Clinic provides holistic legal services to unhoused Sacramentans, including in the area of infractions or traffic tickets. The clinic’s services include the expungement of criminal records, reduction of fines and fees, access to public benefits, child support modification, credit counseling and more.

“Thousands of dollars in fines? Those charges accumulated while my client was unhoused and unemployed,” she explained. “The ability to help my clients get back on their feet and break through the vicious cycle makes every second I’m in the clinic meaningful and impactful.”

The clinic has a tremendous impact on the community. In 2023, students working in the clinic played a critical role in saving unhoused and other low-income people across Sacramento more than $162 million in court fines and fees.

“The outcomes clearly showcase the impact of our community service initiatives. We take immense pride in the way

our students’ dedication and hard work consistently lead to meaningful change in the Sacramento community,” said Michael Hunter Schwartz, dean of McGeorge School of Law.

In addition to the Buccola Family Homeless Advocacy Clinic, McGeorge operates six other legal clinics on its Sacramento Campus for bankruptcy, elder and health law, immigration law and others.

“It’s impossible to quantify the service to the community our law students have provided for over 50 years,” said Professor Melissa Brown, director of the Elder and Health Law Clinic. “Their clients place their trust, secrets and confidence with our students, who in turn provide ethical, competent and compassionate legal services.”

THE BUCCOLA FAMILY HOME -

LESS ADVOCACY CLINIC received a $3 million gift in 2024 from alumnus and Sacramento native Robert A. Buccola ’83 and his wife, Dr. Kawanaa Carter, to establish the Buccola Family Homeless Advocacy Clinic Endowment. The clinic was renamed in their honor.

Buccola is a managing and founding partner of Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP.

“Donating money is probably the easiest thing,” Buccola said. “The hard work is rolling your sleeves up and helping people. It’s really wonderful to know the law school that I graduated from is putting energy out in this less than glamorous area.”

For Carter, a neurosurgeon in Sacramento, the gift aligns

with the value she places on integrated care.

“I believe in caring for people from a holistic point of view, and access to these basic needs, like reasonable shelter, is essential to assuring that the unhoused are treated with humanity,” Carter said.

RETIRING DEAN LEAVES LEGACY Michael

Hunter

Schwartz leaves a rich legacy of service to the McGeorge School of Law, students, the university and legal education nationally as he prepares to step down from the deanship. After leading the law school for eight years, Schwartz is set to return to his roots in teaching and legal scholarship as a McGeorge faculty member at the end of the 2024-25 academic year.

The dean impacted the law school in scores of ways. Under his leadership, McGeorge achieved its highest bar pass rate in 25 years, broke fundraising records and secured one of the largest gifts in the history of U.S. legal education.

He also dramatically increased the amount of legal work the law school provides to those in need by expanding existing clinics and establishing the new Homeless Advocacy Clinic. During the 2022-23 academic year, McGeorge students contributed nearly 64,000 hours of public service to the community.

In January 2024, Schwartz was recognized as the 9th Most Influential Person in Legal Education by National Jurist Magazine, his fourth time to be named to the list.

Schwartz also played a key role in helping the university navigate through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic when he served as interim provost for a year.

But perhaps the dean’s most important legacy will be his deep caring for McGeorge students—from the recruitment process through their years of study to their passage of the bar to their placements in the field and beyond.

“Dean Schwartz personifies in a very real way what it means to be truly student-centric,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan.

“He works tirelessly to help his students and personally spends untold hours with them throughout their McGeorge journey. Hundreds of McGeorge students and alumni cherish the personal, handwritten notes that became one of his many signatures.”

“We are enormously grateful for Dean Schwartz’s selfless leadership and are thrilled that students for years to come will continue to benefit from his keen legal mind and caring approach as he goes back to his first love of teaching and writing.”

? To support McGeorge School of Law, contact Casandra Fernandez, assistant dean of advancement, McGeorge School of Law, cfernandez@pacific.edu, 916.739.7214.

Michael Hunter Schwartz

THE JOY OF MAKING SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

Since its opening in February 2024, the Fletcher Jones Foundation Makerspace has been a nexus of activity with on and off-campus users. In addition to the many student projects created in the space (see related story on page 13), the university has partnered with several community outreach programs to use the makerspace, including Math, Engineering, Science Achievement, better known as MESA, a state-funded program that exposes underrepresented students in grades 6–12 to STEM. Pacific houses its own MESA program in the School of Engineering and Computer Science with projects, meetings and community building regularly occurring in the makerspace.

According to Elizabeth Orwin, dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science, making comes in all shapes and formats and should reach across multiple disciplines. “This was never intended to be an engineering or computer science space exclusively. It was intended as a hub to bring people—students and community members—together.”

“From day one, the goal of the makerspace was to reach across the different disciplines of the campus and into the wider community as well,” said Jeremy Hanlon,

learn about the institute from Orwin, who teaches an intro to engineering class for local 9th–12th graders during the school year. The makerspace factors prominently in the class.

Another program, Reach for the Stars STEM Academy, is a collaboration with the founda-

“ From day one, the goal of the makerspace was to reach across the different disciplines of the campus and into the wider community as well. ”

Jeremy Hanlon

tion created by prominent alumnus and astronaut Jose Hernandez ’84, whose inspiring life story was recently chronicled in the movie, “A Million Miles Away.” The program, run by Assistant Dean for Student Support and Academic Advising Nancy Elium, introduces Stockton Unified School District middle and high school students to STEM.

Sixth grade teacher Cristina Pineda is one of the academy’s instructors. “This summer we took our 10th–12th graders to the makerspace to learn how to build a circuit,” she explained. “The experience was really

impactful for them because they got to experience a little piece of college life and see what they could be a part of.” The academy’s instructor training was also held in the makerspace this year.

Another big draw to the makerspace is the annual Pacific Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit, a shark-tank-style event. “We must have had over 200 students in there, with guests and people from the university and the community,” Hanlon said. The event is held every April and run by Assistant Dean of Innovation and Professional Development Mehdi Khazaeli. Students from all disciplines work together to write a business plan and pitch a product.

“We bring in venture capitalists and angel investors from around the Bay Area to serve as judges,” said Orwin. “That brings in the Pacific community and the outside community as well.” The winning team receives $1,000 to develop its product.

With the success and the draw of the makerspace, Orwin has her eye on future emerging opportunities. “Now that we have a new piano in the space, we are talking about holding concerts. We are also thinking about hands-on workshops for the community that we can hold on Saturday mornings, like learning how to 3D print,” she said. “There is so much more potential, and we are excited to see how we can welcome even more people to the space.”

? For more information, contact Jeremy Hanlon, manager, Fletcher Jones Foundation Makerspace, jhanlon@pacific.edu or 209.946.2523.

Dan Mackeben, assistant dean for development, School of Engineering and Computer Science, dmackeben@pacific.edu or 209.946.2643.

THOMAS J. LONG SCHOOL OF PHARMACY

PHARMACY GRADUATES NO.

1 IN U.S. LICENSURE EXAM

University of the Pacific pharmacy graduates outperformed every pharmacy school in California and across the American West in the newest national licensure exams.

While the national passage rate for first-time test takers of the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination was 77.5%, the 148 new graduates of Pacific’s Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy had a passage rate of 90.5%. That was the highest passage rate among all pharmacy schools in the 13-state Western U.S. region.

In California, the average pass rate among the state’s 14 pharmacy schools was 76.1%, ranging from Pacific’s high of 90.5% down to 46.2%. UC San Diego, Chapman University and USC were the only other California schools within 10 percentage points of Pacific.

Pacific also finished No. 1 in the West among all test-takers—first time and repeat—and in the top 10% of all 144 pharmacy schools in the nation.

Pacific officials attributed the extraordinary results to a dedicated faculty, hard-working students and a new post-graduation residential program to prepare alumni for the national and state licensure exams.

The Rx for Success program was launched as a pilot last May, a free three-week immersion program designed to prepare newly minted graduates of the Doctor of Pharmacy program for the licensing examinations.

“The work put in to create the Rx for Success program and the dedicated efforts of the Long School of Pharmacy are paying off,” said Professor Rajul Patel, the architect for the new program. “We are incredibly proud of our graduates for their hard work and are grateful for the opportunity to aid their preparation and success on the pharmacy licensure examinations.”

The Rx for Success initiative had similar results last fall on the state licensure exam. Pacific students who enrolled in the program had better results than students in all 13 other California pharmacy schools.

"I am profoundly impressed and incredibly proud of the Class of 2023,” said Long School Dean Berit Gundersen. “They exemplify the epitome of dedication and hard work and are poised to join their profession as exceptional pharmacists.”

Derek Huang ’23 was one of the graduates who benefited from the test preparation program.

“The Rx for Success program helped me gauge how tough the licensure exam was going to be,” he said. “The sheer amount of material reviewed in the span of three weeks after graduating was very overwhelming, but having my peers around me helped provide support and fueled my motivation.”

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert said the impressive performance will

enhance the school’s ability to recruit and retain students.

“This ranking is something we can share with students who are looking at our pharmacy programs,” she said. “High school students and those who are attending college elsewhere will see the opportunities available at Pacific. We can help them realize this is a pathway to a successful career.”

CHILDREN’S AWARENESS

CARNIVAL The event returned to the pharmacy school for the first time since the pandemic. Nhi Dinh ’25 and Angeline Nguyen ’25 served as co-chairs.

“We collaborated with elementary schools to bring their students (fifth graders) on campus and were able to immerse them in many areas of health care importance,” Dinh said. “They were very receptive and positive about the entire day and many of them remarked about how much they learned.”

Led by pharmacy student volunteers, the event was split with educational lessons in the morning and activities and fun in the afternoon. Among the areas students learned about were heart health, bone density, healthy eating and more. They took part in a yoga lesson and made their own granola.

“We stress the importance of public outreach to our first-year pharmacy students,” Dinh said. “We want to build a culture of service throughout the school.”

Plans are already being made for next year’s carnival.

FUTURE PHARMACISTS Part of Pacific’s Summer High School Institute, the two-week session for potential future pharmacists had full classrooms and drew applications to Pacific’s pharmacy program. Nine high school students who attended the institute are enrolled at Pacific this fall.

Prior to the institute, Samuel Lee ’28 had only interacted with pharmacists at community pharmacies. With a passion for biology and chemistry, Lee chose the Future Pharmacists program to further explore the pharmacy profession.

“I didn’t know about the innovation with compounding pharmacy and how one can make custom medications,” Lee said. “Understanding compounding and dosage is so important to pharmacy as a whole.”

Added Gundersen: “High school students get to work with pharmacy students and see the potential in a profession where opportunities abound.”

? To support students at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, contact Susan Webster, sr. assistant dean of development, swebster@pacific.edu, 209.946.3116.

SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES

MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT ON A GLOBAL SCALE

At Pacific’s School of Health Sciences, students are making a difference worldwide. Students engage in innovative clinical practices and help lead global health initiatives to tackle critical challenges and improve patient outcomes across diverse communities.

This year, a dedicated cohort of aspiring nurses journeyed over 9,000 miles to Kenya, driven by a mission to educate East African communities about respectful maternity care. The team members, consisting of three nursing students and a faculty member, were eager to extend their impact beyond their local communities.

“We chose to do our project in Kenya because we saw the need,” said nursing student Jessie Chan ’24. “The maternity and neonatal mortality rate has doubled in the nation in comparison to previous years, so we wanted to see why.”

The students were further inspired by an event coordinated by Ann Stoltz, department chair and program director of the nursing program, and Katie Rolan, assistant clinical professor, which deepened their desire to address this pressing issue.

Stoltz serves on the board of directors for Goal4.org, a nonprofit organization created to reduce child mortality in Sega, Kenya.

“When we had a presentation from Dr. Stoltz and a member of Goal 4, which is the foundation that we worked with in Kenya, we were very inspired to work with that community,” said nursing student Avery Rocha ’24. In Kenya, women face serious challenges during childbirth due to poor health care infrastructure and limited access to medical facilities. As a re -

sult, many opt to give birth at home without professional assistance.

Accompanied by Rolan, the students’ journey began in the capital city of Nairobi. From there, they took a nine-hour bus ride to the small rural town of Sega, where they spent a week working on their project.

“We provided a respectful maternity care education series to medical staff at four different facilities in Kenya,” Rolan said. “Two were in Sega and two were in Busia.”

The team presented pre-recorded videos to local medical staff, facilitated conversations and conducted surveys to gauge the staff’s knowledge before and after the presentations.

“The staff there were so receptive. They asked so many questions. They were so open to all these ideas,” Chan said. “Since our visit, there has been an increase in facility births. Mothers are coming in to deliver, specifically at Sega Dispensary, which is one of the main facilities we worked at.”

During their trip, the students engaged with over 50 medical staff members, leaving a lasting impact on the local community. For the recent graduates, this eye-opening experience reinforced their commitment to nursing.

Working directly with these communities allowed the students to see the health care system in action and understand the resourcefulness required in lower-level facilities.

“It changed the way I view health care. It heightened my respect for people living in communities like this,” Rocha said.

The ethos of making a global impact has long been ingrained in Pacific’s School of Health Sciences.

“It changed the way I view health care. It heightened my respect for people living in communities like this.”

Avery Rocha ’24

In 2016, Pacific’s Audiology Program began partnering with Entheos Audiology Cooperative to offer doctoral students opportunities with humanitarian hearing missions to countries including Guatemala and South Africa.

On the program's most recent trip, seven students and a team of audiologists and volunteers traveled to Panajachel, Guatemala. For a week, they conducted hearing evaluations and provided free hearing aid fittings, serving over 200 patients.

In Guatemala, a country of 17 million, access to hearing health care remains scarce and educational resources are limited. Many children with hearing impairments risk being pushed out of school due to these challenges. Each year, initiatives like these become increasingly vital to addressing such critical needs.

For decades, Pacific has been committed to tackling global challenges by offering students transformative experiences. These opportunities not only help build their confidence and broaden their clinical experience but also expose them to the highest standards of service in the industry, preparing them for successful careers.

? To support the School of Health Sciences, contact Lana Watts, sr. assistant dean for development, School of Health Sciences, lwatts@ pacific.edu, 916.325.4656.

SPACE TO EXPLORE

Detecting ripples in space. Discovering previously unknown exoplanets. Finding the most distant galaxies in the universe. They’re among the most exciting astronomical advances of the 21st century—and Pacific’s professors are part of the international teams bringing them to light. As they unravel some of the world’s biggest mysteries, students are learning and working alongside them, cultivating a passion for curiosity and a drive to discover.

Photo: Pacific students Elisa Villalpando ‘27 (left) and Iliana R. Minervini Vega ‘26 (right) look up at the night sky in Yosemite National Park

afraid of bats, so I tell people I’m like Bat man,” Madison, an assistant professor of physics, explained. “I remember being a kid and being terrified of space. It’s so big. It’s so empty. It left me with such unfathomable questions that I was just mystified.”

100 scientists that detected gravitational waves, a concept first theorized by Einstein. Madison compares them to “ripples on a pond.”

“They travel through the universe at the speed of light, and we can detect them ple didn’t even think they were real for a long time.”

The “surreal moment” when NANOGravs’ findings were unveiled in the summer of 2023 was the culmination of more than a decade of research for Madison.

It was one of a series of breakthrough discoveries made by Pacific professors in the Department of Physics and Astronomy using the world’s most advanced telescopes, from the W.M. Keck Observatory on the summit of Hawaii’s Mauna Kea to the powerful James Webb Space Telescope slowly orbiting the Sun.

Associate Professor Guillermo Barro was among the first scientists granted access to data from the Webb Telescope by NASA after the advanced telescope was launched in late 2021. He was recently granted additional observation time during the fall.

Barro is exploring the most distant galaxies in the universe, using the telescope as a time machine to see into the universe’s past.

“We’re trying to understand the formation and evolution of the universe,” Barro said, comparing it to the work of a paleontologist. “The idea of galaxy evolution was pioneered by the Hubble Space Telescope. Now we’re trying to close the gap and get all the way to the formation of the universe,” he said.

He has published several papers on distant galaxies revealed in Webb photos, which appear as tiny red dots, and is also working to identify unknown items visible in the photos.

“I have been focusing on the most exciting puzzles,” he said. “The things that we don’t understand. It drives me, trying to figure out what these objects could be.”

Associate Professor Daniel Jontof-Hutter is immersed in what he calls the “golden age of exoplanet research.”

In 2023, Jontof-Hutter was part of a team of scientists who published a groundbreaking catalog of exoplanets—planets that orbit stars beyond the solar system. The catalog included almost 4,400 planet candidates and significantly expanded what is known about planets and planetary systems.

The work was a collaboration between researchers from NASA Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley and researchers from universities across the United States and Canada.

Their findings help researchers see how our solar system compares to others.

“The architecture of these systems how big the planets are, how far they are from their host stars and from each other that gives us a clue about how they formed and how rare the solar system and planets like the Earth are,” Jontof-Hutter said.

The catalog now allows him and other researchers to study the systems in more detail.

Research conducted by Associate Professor of Physics Elisa Toloba and published in 2023 has revealed new discoveries about galaxy formation and evolution.

Toloba and an international team of astronomers discovered a missing link that explains how rare ultra-compact dwarf galaxies are formed. The galaxies are among the densest stellar groupings in the universe.

The team’s research found ultra-compact dwarf galaxies are likely formed from the destruction of dwarf galaxies that are stripped of their stars. The idea was initially proposed two decades ago, but until now, astronomers had been unable to confirm the theory.

Using the Gemini North telescope at the Keck Observatory in Hawaii, the team identified more than 100 of these missing-link galaxies. They show every stage of the transformation process.

“This finding is a tremendous step forward in our understanding of how galaxies evolve and get transformed by their surroundings,” Toloba said. “After two decades in search for proofs, my team found evidence that confirms that ultra-compact dwarf galaxies were, when they were born, larger and more massive than today.”

Other findings, aided by a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, include an unexplainably large amount of dark matter in a grouping of galaxies in the Virgo Cluster.

Photo: W.M. Keck Observatory on the summit of Hawaii’s Mauna Kea.

RESEARCH ANOMALIES

Anomaly (noun) 1. Something that deviates from what is standard 2. The angular distance of a planet or satellite from its last perihelion

In 2009, NASA launched its first planet-hunting mission, sending the Kepler space telescope in search of planets outside our solar system.

During its nine years exploring the Milky Way galaxy, the telescope revolutionized scientists’ knowledge of space with its discovery of billions of exoplanets.

Fifteen years later, Andrew Baker-Sanchez ’26 (photo left), a student in Pacific’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, is sorting through the findings to make his own contributions to the research.

“I have been filtering through which planets orbit the same stars as other planets on the list,” Baker-Sanchez said. “From there, I want to see which of those planets are in what’s known as resonance.”

Associate Professor Daniel Jontof-Hutter (photo right), who is overseeing Baker-Sanchez’s research, compares resonance to the hands of a clock in which the time it takes planets to orbit their sun are in exact ratios, something not seen in our solar system.

“We’re looking for resonances to understand why they’re stable and how they formed. It’s an important clue as to how the planets formed in the first place,” Jontof-Hutter said.

Recent graduate Mohit Bhangu ’24 worked with Assistant Professor Dusty Madison his senior year to study pulsars and ultra-compact binaries. “My research was trying to figure out the gravitational wave signal from simulated pulsars,” he said.

Although he’s been fascinated with astronomy since he was young, research solidified his interest in it as a career. Bhangu is now looking to pursue a graduate degree in astronomy.

The novel research projects, required of all seniors in the department, are an anomaly in undergraduate education, broadly speaking.

“This is a real opportunity for our students,” Jontof-Hutter said. “Bigger universities are more focused on their graduate programs. Having faculty focused on undergraduate research is extremely rare in astronomy.”

The work helps students stand out when they apply for jobs or graduate school. Recent alumni are now in some of the top programs around the country, including Penn State, Northwestern, USC and UC Davis.

The unique opportunity isn’t lost on Baker-Sanchez. “It feels great to be under the supervision and direction of somebody who is an expert in this field,” he said. “It helps me feel more confident about my abilities to be able to do this and have a result that’s meaningful to the larger scientific community.”

MARK CASTANEDA

Students in the Department of Physics and Astronomy aren’t the only ones with their sights set on space. In the School of Engineering and Computer Science, Mark Castaneda ’25, an engineering physics major, recently worked at Houston’s Johnson Space Center as part of the highly competitive NASA Pathways program. The experience positions participants to work with the agency full time after graduation.

During his time in Houston, Castaneda worked on optical navigation.

“I am developing technology to guide the Orion spacecraft to put humans back on the moon in upcoming missions,” Castaneda said. “As it turns out, even with all of humanity’s advancements, navigation using stars is still often the most reliable way to pilot a vessel, and that includes spacecraft.”

The experience was the result of relentless determination. Castaneda, who also interned with NASA in 2022 at Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, applied dozens of times before being accepted. The turning point, he says, was when he opened up about his background in his application.

“I am a first-generation, low-income, nontraditional, formerly homeless, formerly incarcerated student,” he said. “I’ve had so many doors shut in my face because of my background, but it only takes one open door.”

After completing his bachelor’s degree, Castaneda can begin working for NASA full time or remain in the Pathways program through graduate school.

BETTER TOGETHER

At Pacific, student success is rooted in collaboration.

At Pacific, learning extends far beyond the lecture hall. Only through hands-on experiences can students foster innovation, critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills. From lab work and internships to competitions to student club experiences and community service activities, Pacific students gain practical experience and interpersonal skills.

Pacific is nurturing the next generation of researchers, civic leaders and business entrepreneurs. Students are collaborating with faculty on groundbreaking research and projects, forging connections and collecting experiences that benefit both their education and their future careers or advanced degrees, building foundations of knowledge to prepare for life after graduation.

“One in 36 children are diagnosed with autism, but there really is little technology to help in early diagnosis,” Firoozabadi explained.

Her team is working to create a small, wearable device, like a wristband or clip-on, that will monitor environmental factors such as lighting and sounds, which are crucial in detecting autism.

“The combination of studying autism with engineering principles is rewarding,” Magsayo said.

The research project provides students with valuable hands-on experiences and offers a glimpse into what their future careers could look like.

“Because of this work, I now plan to look at areas involving research when I work on my master’s degree,” Zhu said.

The commitment to experiential learning is central to a Pacific education.

Research Together

Research collaborations between faculty and students are the heart of innovation and discovery at Pacific. The partnerships expose students to research principles and what it takes to solve global issues.

Working side by side with faculty on cutting-edge research projects, students gain hands-on experience while bringing their unique perspectives to the work. In turn, faculty benefit from the enthusiasm and creativity of their students.

These collaborations prepare students for their future careers, equipping them with critical skills and realworld insights.

Assistant Professor of Engineering

Seyedeh Fatemeh Khatami Firoozabadi is exploring ways to develop an early diagnostic device for autism with help from undergraduate students Kyra-Angela Magsayo ’25 and Crystal Zhu ’25.

Supported by a $200,000 National Science Foundation grant, Firoozabadi is trying to close the gap between when autism symptoms first appear—often by age one—and formal diagnosis, which can be delayed until age four.

In the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, a signature program at Pacific, fourth-year student Khanh Linh Nguyen ’25 is collaborating with Associate Professor Vivek Pallipuram.

Students in the fellowship program receive support from a faculty member, a stipend, campus housing and research materials.

Nguyen, a first-generation college student from Vietnam, is developing machine learning software to translate American Sign Language hand movements into written text.

Crystal Zhu ’25 (left) and Assistant Professor of Engineering Seyedeh Fatemeh Khatami Firoozabadi (right)

“I wanted to research something I did not know about so I could learn in the process, and I wanted my research to positively impact society,” Nguyen said.

In addition to these projects, the School of Engineering and Computer Science has received a gift from Rich Goldberg, a long-time member of the school’s Dean’s Advisory Council, which is designed to further incentivize student and faculty research collaboration. His contribution will help establish an undergraduate research endowment that will provide stipends for students to conduct research.

The emphasis on practical preparation is evident at Pacific, where students and faculty are actively pushing the boundaries of academic research to tackle pressing real-world issues.

In the College of the Pacific, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Skylar Carlson began her research into antibiotics during the pandemic. It has now evolved into a collaborative effort involving multiple students.

Carlson and her team are persistently working to discover new antibiotics.

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to public health worldwide. Discovering new

antibiotics is essential for effectively treating infections that are increasingly resistant to current medications.

“Antibiotic drug discovery is a war of attrition,” Carlson said. “We’ve got to keep fighting. We’ve got to keep looking.”

So far, the team has successfully cultured certain types of bacteria from marine algae and is testing them to see if they can combat harmful bacteria that cause infections.

“This project has pushed us to be innovative. While working on it, we also learned how to be leaders, since we were teaching some of the newer students the techniques we learned,” said recent graduate Angie Lee ’24.

Students have been playing a pivotal role in this research, tackling every aspect of it.

“Our students are well-prepared in terms of science,” Carlson said. “This research has allowed them to tap into the knowledge that they’ve learned in the classroom and connect those ideas for a deeper understanding.”

+ A prestigious grant from the National Institutes of Health is creating research opportunities for students at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.

Assistant Professor Xiaoyuan Han received more than $700,000 to study oral cancer using artificial intelligence tools.

“Oral cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, accounting for approximately 2% of all cancer diagnoses,” Han said.

“I hope our research will identify a reliable biomarker to help early detection of oral cancer.”

The award will provide opportunities for predental and predoctoral dental students to participate in research and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to improve oral pathology diagnoses. It is especially aimed at supporting students from underrepresented groups.

“I am interested in the mentoring programs to support these students,” Han said. “With the funding support and the excellent research experience, they also will be able to attend workshops and present in research symposiums.”

Khanh Linh Nguyen ’25 (right) collaborates with Associate Professor Vivek Pallipuram (left)

Khanh Linh Nguyen ’25

Connect Together

More than 130 official student groups at Pacific celebrate culture, facilitate community service, encourage professional development, provide opportunities for skill development, promote sports, introduce students to professions and support a plethora of other missions. Student and staff advisors provide guidance and join in the clubs’ activities, encouraging students to pursue their interests and serve the wider community.

The Pacific Stocktones is the university’s only a capella group. Founded in 2013 by Conservatory of Music students, its membership has expanded to include students in fields as wide-ranging as Japanese, psychology, education and Media X. Interested students can audition at the beginning of each academic year. The group practices together twice a week, performs together once a semester and offers singing valentines every February.

Student Community Outreach for Public Education: Arthur A. Dugoni

School of Dentistry faculty and staff volunteered during the Sept. 11 Community Day of Service organized by Project Homeless Connect, thanks to the leadership of the school’s Student Community Outreach for Public Education (SCOPE) organization. Dugoni volunteers have staffed the event since 2007.

Solar Car: The Pacific Solar Car Club was founded in 2021 through the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Over the last year, its members built a solar car with a 973W Maxeon monocrystalline silicon solar array and a carbon steel MIG weld-

ed chassis and competed in the Electrek American Solar Challenge and the Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix for the first time.

Craft Beer Club : States, counties and localities regulate alcohol differently. Practitioners of craft beer law help clients navigate the ins and outs of those rules and federal laws. The McGeorge School of Law’s Craft Beer Law Society encourages interest in the field and its members volunteer at Homecoming and Family Weekend each year.

First Gen Rising: First Gen Rising provides resources, mentoring and com-

munity for all first-generation students at Pacific, regardless of their qualification for formal first-generation programs. The group was founded by students in Pacific’s SUCCESS TRiO program in 2023 and receives support from its staff.

Pacific Consulting: Pacific Consulting is a student-operated consultancy founded in 2010 and sponsored by the College of the Pacific’s Department of Economics. The group, which includes students from majors including health science, engineering, economics and business, serves clients nearby in Stockton and as far as Cape Town, South Africa.

3. Professor Robert Hanyak ‘79

4. Left to right: Professors Lydia Fox, Roger Barnett and Gene Pearson

5. Professor Simalee Smith-Stubblefield ‘83

1. Professor Abel Fernandez

2. Professor Derek Isetti ’08

could truly get to know other faculty members and students,” said Abel Fernandez, professor of engineering. “It means having the liberty to spend time with students and get to know them as individuals.” It’s a use of faculty time not valued or encouraged at many other universities.

Grow Together

Eugene “Gene” Pearson, professor emeritus in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, taught his first class at Pacific in a Quonset hut which formerly housed an influx of GI Bill students during the postwar years. A large vent connected the room to the office of the department head, Stan Volbrecht, and Pearson spent the 8 a.m. class period convinced that he was listening to every word.

But in the weeks and months that followed, Pearson’s initial trepidation turned to gratitude as the older professor became his mentor. Volbrecht “was an incredible person, and if I had success at Pacific, a lot of it is because of him,” he said.

Pearson retired in 2022, after a record-making 51 years of teaching at the university, during which time he also became a mentor to colleagues and students. Professor Lydia Fox, who worked with Pearson for three decades, remembered “he showed you what it’s like to teach at Pacific and did so with students always in mind.”

The university’s student-centeredness has been key to Fox and Pearson’s experiences, as it has been for many other members of Pacific’s faculty and staff over many decades.

Describing his own introduction to Pacific, “there was a sense of intimacy where you

Structured advising sessions, office hours, attendance at department and university activities, spontaneous conversations and email correspondence are all ways that faculty make themselves available to students and begin building the relationships that allow them to provide insightful advice and encouragement to their students.

“Students learn and grow in different ways. The professor is a facilitator and not a director. Sometimes one guides by example and sometimes by suggestion,” says Pearson.

In addition to formal academic and career advice, “mentoring also means being supportive, providing encouragement in the way of a smile or listening,” says Simalee Smith-Stubblefield ‘83, associate professor emerita of speech-language pathology and audiology.

Mentorship creates networks of influence and benefit with wide ripple effects within and beyond the institutions where it began.

Smith-Stubblefield’s former student, Derek Isetti ’08, followed in her footsteps, becoming chair of speech-language pathology. And, in October 2024, he received the Alumni Association’s Faculty Mentor Award, as have Smith-Stubblefield, Pearson and Fernandez, among many others, before him.

“I feel so blessed that two of my Pacific professors, Simalee Smith-Stubblefield and Bob Hanyak, were both recipients of the

Students learn and grow in different ways. The professor is a facilitator and not a director. Sometimes one guides by example and sometimes by suggestion.

EUGENE PEARSON Professor Emeritus

Faculty Mentor Award,” Isetti said. “They inspired me to become a professor, so the fact that I wound up teaching back at Pacific and am now a recipient of that same award myself is about as full circle a moment as a person can have.”

Fifty-seven current and emeriti members of the Pacific faculty have received the award since its creation in 2008. Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, says the awards “really highlight what an important role faculty can play in a student’s trajectory.”

Gene Pearson’s students, says Laura Rademacher, professor in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, “all tell a similar story of a professor who not only cared deeply about the success of every single student, whether they were a geology major or not, but also inspired in them a love for and curiosity about the world in a way that is accessible to anyone.”

PACIFIC STATE OF MIND

From the snow-covered peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the vast Pacific Ocean, California’s diverse landscape presents myriad opportunities for students to explore. As California’s first and oldest university, Pacific has a long tradition of shaping student experiences on and off its three campuses. Its strategic location within driving distance of California’s bustling cities, iconic landmarks and national parks serves as a launchpad for students to network, discover and immerse themselves in the Golden State.

Renowned as a global hub of innovation and an industry leader in technology, health care and more, California continues to attract students from around the globe. With its rich cultural and demographic diversity and its stunning natural beauty, California offers students unparalleled opportunities for career preparation and personal growth.

CITY LIFE

San Francisco is a vibrant urban community filled with opportunities for Pacific students. The city provides access to a wide range of experiences and professional networks. This environment elevates students’ academic journeys and encourages them to pursue possibilities far beyond the classroom.

TIGER TREK

Offered twice a semester through Career Services, Tiger Trek allows students to explore and network in locations such as the Silicon Valley, San Francisco and Sacramento. Students receive an insider’s view of careers at leading global finance and media firms along with guidance on securing positions there.

On a recent outing to San Francisco, students toured Bloomberg’s HQ offices and met with recruiters who shared the skills they look for in employees and what students should include on their resumes.

WHAT IS A TIGER TREK?

• A no cost opportunity for students to visit a well-renowned business like Netflix, Roku or Bloomberg— some of the most influential companies in the world.

• An event featuring company tours, Q&A sessions and panel discussions with industry leaders.

• A method of preparing students for their future careers.

“The most beneficial part of this experience was learning about the steps to take, the externships and internships, to be offered a position at Bloomberg.”

CATALINA GOMEZ ’26

Photo right: Students toured Bloomberg’s San Francisco offices during a Tiger Trek trip.

Photo: Pacific students Annika Shermak ‘27 (left) and Jamison Penticuff ‘27 (right) explore San Francisco’s Filmore District.

Audrey Wong will graduate in 2026. She began her academic journey as an undergraduate majoring in biology with a minor in psychology and completed the 3+3 pre-dental program at Pacific. Currently, she is a second-year student at the Dugoni School of Dentistry.

What’s your favorite spot in San Francisco and why?

My favorite place to go is Dolores Park. I try to take advantage of it whenever it is warm out and go outside. I enjoy the variety of food options around Dolores Park that make for a perfect picnic takeout.

How do you balance exploring San Francisco with your studies at Pacific?

San Francisco has so much going on—arts and crafts fairs, Outside Lands (a threeday music festival), book events, concerts, farmer’s markets, etc. I usually keep Sundays chill to reset and get ready for the week ahead.

What drew you to the San Francisco campus and how has the city lived up to your expectations so far?

I was drawn to the campus for its convenience and the unique experience of living in a vibrant city. There’s always something new to explore. I’ve discovered my favorite spots, like picnicking at Fort Mason and walking along Land’s End.

STATE CAPITAL

Sacramento—California’s vibrant capital—is abundant in opportunities and growth. As the center of state governance, it plays a crucial role in shaping California’s future, making the city an optimal environment for aspiring law students and professionals looking to make an impact.

Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, located on the Sacramento Campus, is a few miles from the state capitol and government buildings and provides students with unique access to the heart of legislative action.

“I chose to attend McGeorge for three primary reasons: it is the only ABA-accredited law school in the capital city, it has a strong alumni network and it offers a tax concentration,” said Haley Summers ’23, who now works as a committee consultant on the California Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee. “The hard work I put into my academics and externships, in addition to the help from people along the way, helped pave the way for my current role.”

Photo: McGeorge School of Law students Drashti Patel ‘25 (left) and Monica Azmi ‘27 (right) in front of California’s state capitol building

FUN FACTS

• Sacramento is nicknamed the “City of Trees” for having more trees per capita than any other city in the nation.

• Old Sacramento features a network of underground tunnels that once housed storefronts and residences. Guided tours allow visitors to explore it.

• Sacramento predates the state of California, having been incorporated on Feb. 27,1850, while California joined the U.S. Sept. 9, 1850. Pacific became the state’s first university less than one year later.

• Sacramento is also known as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” for its championing of locally sourced, fresh food. The city hosts an annual Farm-to-Fork Festival which showcases the region’s agricultural abundance and culinary creativity.

John Muir Facts:

• Several of John Muir’s descendants attended Pacific.

• In 2019, Pacific officially acquired 75% of Muir’s papers, making the university’s collection of Muir items the largest in the world.

• Muir was the first to understand the glacial origins of Yosemite Valley and helped establish Yosemite and other natural spaces as national parks and monuments.

NATURE

California, awash with sun, sea and national parks, offers an array of natural splendors. Within driving distance of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, Pacific’s unique location invites students to connect with nature, enrich their university experience and create unforgettable memories in one of the country’s most stunning states.

As renowned 19th-century naturalist and conservationist John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”

At Pacific, students have ample opportunities to explore California’s natural wonders. Through Tiger Escapes, a Pacific Recreation program, students go on thrilling weekend trips throughout Northern California.

Whether exploring the rugged coastline or venturing into mountain ranges, these excursions offer a chance to extend learning beyond the classroom and encourage students to explore the breathtaking beauty surrounding them.

“Once you reach a really nice viewpoint that feels like the most incredible sight you’ve ever seen, it’s wild to think that places like this are so close to school,” said Victoria Martinez ’25, reflecting on the program’s most recent trip to Big Sur.

Photo above: Elektra Caras ‘27

Photo left: (Left to Right) Miguel Palma ‘27, Iliana R. Minervini Vega ‘26, Terrence Lee ‘27

OVER THE LAST YEAR, SIX COACHES MOVED INTO NEW HEAD POSITIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS. AT THE CENTER OF THE CHANGES IS DAVE SMART, NEW COACH OF THE MEN’S BASKETBALL PROGRAM, WHO ARRIVED AT PACIFIC AS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL CANADIAN COLLEGE BASKETBALL COACHES OF ALL TIME. SMART SPENT LAST YEAR AS AN ASSISTANT AT TEXAS TECH AFTER AMASSING 656 VICTORIES AS THE HEAD COACH AT CARLETON UNIVERSITY IN CANADA OVER 18 SEASONS.

WHAT WERE YOUR INITIAL IMPRESSIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY? I love the campus; it’s beautiful. Coming from Texas Tech where the facilities are off the charts, I was worried about what to expect. However, when I arrived, I was quickly blown away by how unbelievable the facilities are here. I love the Alex G. Spanos Center, and we have a state-of-the-art personalized practice facility that not everyone has. I was impressed with what I saw. I also have to add that the reason why I’m here is because of Adam and President Callahan. Adam came from a basketball school and knows what it takes to be successful in the sport, and President Callahan has been behind making the program special.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE STUDENTS, FANS AND RECRUITS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACHING STYLE? We’re going to play fast and we’re going to be physical, but with that said, it’s not really about my coaching style. It’s about the players we put on the floor, how hard they play and how committed they are to winning. We’re going to do our best to win as much as we can, but the culture is more important to me in the first year than anything. The real goal is to be hard to play against every time we walk on the court.

to me. The types of people we have on our roster, their work ethic and playing style are what matters most.

THIS CAMPUS TAKES A LOT OF PRIDE IN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU ENVISION THE MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM HAVING OFF THE COURT? This is a topic that means a lot to my wife Emily and me. I’m still part of an organization that I started in Ottawa with all my ex-players called ACR, Athletes Combating Racism, where we helped underprivileged youth in the community. We took them on field trips, and I got my players involved. Here in Stockton, we want to be involved in as many things as we can, and Emily in particular wants to give back to the community. We’re currently working with the YMCA and a couple other groups in Stockton to become more connected.

Q+A

DAVE SMART

WHEN YOU SAW THE PACIFIC MEN’S BASKETBALL JOB OPEN, WHAT MADE THE POSITION APPEALING FOR YOU? I wasn’t necessarily trying to leave Texas Tech at the time but was willing to move for the right situation. I looked at many jobs, but Pacific caught my eye, especially with its location. The opportunity to work with a new Athletic Director like Adam Tschuor at a school that’s considered a basketball school was something I didn’t want to pass up.

WHAT SHOULD THE COMMUNITY BE EXCITED ABOUT IN THE 2024-25 SEASON? We’re going to compete every single time we walk on the court. If we defensive rebound and take care of the ball, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing. We’re going to be in a lot of games. As people say, everybody has a great game plan until you get punched in the mouth, and we’re going to get punched in the mouth a lot in this league. How we react will have a lot to do with how successful we are.

AFTER SPENDING THE MAJORITY OF YOUR CAREER IN CANADA, IT’S NO SURPRISE WE HAVE CANADIANS ON THE 2024-25 ROSTER. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR RECRUITING PHILOSOPHIES? We wanted to have some players from Northern California if they were good enough, and I only wanted to bring in Canadians that could really play. My philosophy is to find kids who can play the right way and form the best roster we can. Whether that’s internationally or staying with American kids doesn’t make a big difference

THE TRANSFER PORTAL AND NIL ARE HOT TOPICS IN COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS RIGHT NOW. WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON THE CURRENT STATE OF THE TRANSFER PORTAL AND DO YOU BELIEVE NIL IN COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS IS SUSTAINABLE? I see the positives of the transfer portal, but there are negatives as well if not handled properly. It helps the players who look at the big picture and hurts the players who are getting short-term advice. NIL comes down to community support. We need our school, boosters and alumni to buy in. We don’t need the $100 million that a school like Alabama would need to compete in football and all other sports, but we need enough for people to be excited about the product we’re putting on the court. Whether it’s sustainable or not varies from school to school, but in our situation, we’re going to need help from the community.

DO YOU HAVE ANY COACHING ROLE MODELS YOU LOOK TO AS YOU COACH MEN’S BASKETBALL? In terms of coaching basketball, I had to learn a lot of things on my own. I started coaching at Carleton when I was around 31 years old and I was going up against guys in their 60s, but with the amount I’d coached prior to that job, I’d already coached over 2,000 games. My role model in terms of leadership is my dad. He was a successful leader; he led a certain way and I picked up a lot from the things he did.

All-STAR COACHES

IN ADDITION TO MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH DAVE SMART, THE TIGERS BROUGHT IN FOUR NEW FACES TO LAY NEW FOUNDATIONS.

REED PETERS (BASEBALL)

Reed Peters comes to Pacific with two state championships, 31 players in professional baseball and a national coach of the year honor.

Peters spent 17 years at San Joaquin Delta Community College in Stockton, where he built one of the top baseball programs in the country. He compiled a 386-167 record and placed 140 student-athletes at Division I institutions during his time at Delta. Prior to coaching, Peters played professionally from 1987-93 and was a 12th-round draft choice of the California Angels in 1987. His appointment makes him the 20th head coach in Pacific baseball history, which began in 1945.

DUNNING INDUCTED INTO WEST COAST CONFERENCE HALL OF HONOR

One of the most decorated coaches in the history of Pacific Athletics, former volleyball head coach John Dunning, was inducted into the West Coast Conference Hall of Honor.

Dunning, a two-time national champion as the Tigers’ head coach, was recognized in a special ceremony at the 2024 Credit Union 1 West Coast Conference Basketball Championship in Las Vegas.

“It’s a great honor and it’s very humbling. I loved working at Pacific, and I coached a lot of great players and a lot of wonderful women,” Dunning said. “I’m very apprecia-

MARY BETH GUNN (WOMEN’S TENNIS)

When Mary Beth Gunn arrived at Southeast Missouri State University in 2016, she took over a program that finished 2-20 overall and had not posted a winning record in nine seasons.

Fast forward to 2024, Gunn was named the head coach at Pacific after leading SEMO to five championships over the last four seasons including back-to-back NCAA Tournaments in 2022 and 2023.

Gunn’s success was an historic turnaround. In only her second year in 2017, she posted a winning 13-8 record, including 5-4 in the Ohio Valley Conference, and continued to transform the program into a championship contender.

tive of the people I worked with and the people I coached. I loved every minute of working at Pacific and I’m grateful for the way my family and I were treated.”

Dunning served as Pacific’s head coach from 1985-2000. He guided the Tigers to back-to-back national championships in 1985 and 1986, as well as Final Four appearances in 1990 (national runner-up) and 1999.

Pacific advanced to the NCAA Tournament in all 16 of his seasons. Dunning hoisted five conference championships and was a four-time conference Coach of the Year winner.

SAM DURAN-KUKUK (SOFTBALL)

A former Women’s College World Series participant at UCLA, Sam Duran-Kukuk returned to California to become the new softball head coach. She spent the last three years as associate head coach at Utah Valley University.

Duran-Kukuk, from Whittier, California, is known as a player’s coach. Last season, she developed several student-athletes into starters and professionals as the Wolverines won 25 games, their most in over 10 seasons. They included a 15-10 mark in the Western Athletic Conference and a pair of wins in the conference tournament.

As a student-athlete, Duran-Kukuk was a four-year letterwinner for the Bruins from 2011 to 2015. She was a part of four NCAA Regional and two NCAA Super Regional teams, including her senior season in 2015.

JAIDA WARD (BEACH VOLLEYBALL)

The excitement of returning home was evident from the moment Jaida Ward walked into the Pacific Intercollegiate Athletics Center as the new beach volleyball head coach.

Ward, a Stockton native, has been on Pacific’s campus since she was young. She played club volleyball indoors and beach volleyball at Rage Volleyball and Rage Beach Volleyball Clubs in Stockton. Those clubs often use Pacific’s facilities and Ward was often on campus for volleyball camps directed by Tigers’ volleyball head coach Greg Gibbons.

Ward was a student-athlete at San Jose State University, where she stands as both the all-time career wins leader and single-season wins leader with the Spartans.

LONG-TIME PACIFIC SOFTBALL COACH BRIAN KOLZE RETIRES AFTER THREE DECADES

Brian Kolze, the winningest softball coach in the history of Pacific, retired after 32 seasons as head coach.

Since taking over the team in 1992, the Stockton Athletic Hall of Fame inductee finished his career with an 823797-2 record.

“It has been a true honor and a privilege to coach at Pacific for 32 years,” Kolze said. “To all the staff, assistant coaches and student-athletes who have been associated with the program over these years, I say, ‘Thank you.’ You have all had a positive influence on my career. I hope I can give back the same support to the department, the university and its student-athletes as they have given to both me and the softball program over the years.”

Kolze guided the Tigers to eight NCAA tournament appearances and a Big West Championship title in 2011.

“Coach Kolze has invested so much in Pacific softball over the last three decades and is one of the most accomplished and reputable coaches in the history of the department,” said Director of Athletics Adam Tschuor. “Not only has he been a staple to Pacific Athletics, but he played a significant role in the Stockton community. We’re incredibly grateful for all he’s done and the countless lives he’s impacted over his time coaching at Pacific.” Kolze now acts as a special advisor to the athletic director.

Pacific alumnus Alex Obert’s ’16 decision to come out of retirement for one more Olympics paid off—the water polo standout won a bronze medal with Team USA.

“The support I received from Pacific during the Olympics and this entire run really shows how special of a place it is,” Obert said. “It’s been almost 10 years since I graduated from Pacific, but it still feels like I just left. Pacific is an amazing place and it changed my life. Thank you to everyone at Pacific for your support.”

Prior to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Obert had just moved from California to Minnesota to begin a new chapter in his life in the finance industry with his wife, two-year-old daughter and second child on the way.

“My family moved to Minnesota two days prior to my departure for the Olympics, and I hadn’t had the chance to sleep in my own bed until after I returned,” Obert said. “A lot of the guys on the team made tremendous sacrifices to play at a high level for a long time, and the bronze medal is a culmination of the hard work that a lot of us put in over the last 10 years.”

Obert, a three-time Olympian and threetime All-American from Loomis, California, gave it one last go and played a vital role in Team USA’s medal run. In what he said would be his final international competition, Obert saw action in all eight matches for the Americans and scored a pair of goals from the center position.

He logged 16 minutes in a critical 11-10 shoot-out victory over Australia in a match that was streamed live on the Stockton Campus during a watch party in The Lair on

the second floor of the Don and Karen DeRosa University Center. The win advanced USA to the semifinals.

“Getting a chance to tune in and see him compete at the most elite level and the passion that it takes to play at that level, the dedication, it’s like a dream come true for him, but it’s a dream come true for all of us,” said Pacific water polo head coach James Graham. “It’s just so spectacular to watch.”

Obert and the Americans went on to defeat Hungary 11-8 in another shootout to earn the medal.

Pacific’s former director of operations, Jack Kocur, also earned a bronze medal, serving as assistant coach for the team. He was on campus this past spring to coach the USA Youth National Team at the 2024 Pacific Cup.

Kocur coached Obert on three separate occasions in his career, starting in 2013 when Obert was a junior at Pacific. The two reunited again in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“Alex deserves all the recognition and every accolade he has earned in his career,” Kocur said. “In 2013, I saw Alex as a young, talented athlete with so much potential, and he fully embraced it. Alex has always been the ultimate servant to his team.

“He would do anything the team ever asked him to do. He would guard, he would set, he would post-up, he would double post-up and be the ultimate team player. It was truly an honor to watch him evolve over the years.”

Obert was one of four former Pacific water polo student-athletes to compete in the Olympics along with Luke Pavillard ’19 (Australia), John Hedges (Australia) and Clara Vulpisi ’23 (Canada).

Pavillard shined for the Australians and registered a pair of four-goal games. The first came in the group stages as he led Australia to an 8-3 victory over Serbia, the

ALEX OBERT ‘16 holds his bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.

“THE SUPPORT I RECEIVED FROM PACIFIC DURING THE OLYMPICS AND THIS ENTIRE RUN REALLY SHOWS HOW SPECIAL OF A PLACE IT IS.”

eventual gold medalist. Pavillard did it again in the quarterfinals in the tough 11-10 loss to Obert and the Americans.

“I always say I’m rooting for my boys,” Graham said. “We love Team USA but when you get a chance to see both of your athletes competing on opposite teams, it’s just super exciting. Every time I saw one of them make a great play, I was out of my seat for each one of them.”

Pavillard totaled 12 goals in the Olympics. Hedges also made a pair of appearances for the Australians as the goalkeeper saw action against Spain and Japan.

On the women’s side, Vulpisi was part of a Canadian team that finished eighth. The goalkeeper made seven saves against the Netherlands in the group stage and a pair against Spain, which went on to win the gold medal.

Cheer LEADERS

First Lady leads the charge to rally leaders at women’s basketball games

First Lady Jean Callahan is rallying women leaders from campus and the community to support the Pacific Tigers women’s basketball team for another season.

A big fan of coach Bradley Davis’ team since her arrival at Pacific in 2020, Callahan has created a special section adjacent to the baseline on the home team side of the Alex G. Spanos Center.

She invites women leaders from the university and the community to pre-game receptions at the President’s Residence before heading over to cheer on the Tigers.

“It’s important for women leaders of today to support our women leaders of tomorrow,” Callahan said. “We have amazing students, and the players on this team are fantastic representatives of the entire Pacific student body. These scholar-athletes are smart, passionate, positive, caring and focused on the team instead of individual accolades. They represent the great diversity of our university in every way socioeconomic background, ethnicity and geography.”

The 15-player squad for 2024-25 has student-athletes from five countries and four states enrolled in 12 majors—art, biochemistry, biological sciences, business administration, health and exercise science, management and human resources, marketing, Media X, music industry studies, psychology, sociology and sport management and analytics.

The Tigers had a 3.5 combined GPA last semester, with 12 student-athletes on the West Coast Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll and six on the 2023-24 WCC All-Academic Team.

“The unwavering support of Mrs. Callahan has been a powerful and ever-growing force felt by every single one of us,” said Rosie Schweizer ’24.

IT’S IMPORTANT FOR WOMEN LEADERS OF TODAY TO SUPPORT OUR WOMEN LEADERS OF TOMORROW.

Schweizer graduated with a degree in political science, earned WCC All-Academic First Team honors and was president of the Pacific Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

“We are grateful to have her in our corner and incredibly excited that her passion and enthusiasm for women’s basketball is helping strengthen our community and fan base,” Schweizer added. “Having strong women to look up to and aid us in our pursuits— academically, athletically and in our broader lives—is a fabulous endeavor that we are lucky to experience.”

Coach Davis said that, in addition to competitive and athletic success, “one of our main priorities as a coaching staff is to surround the women of Pacific women’s basketball with great people.”

“This obviously starts with our staff and our players, but at a place like Pacific, it extends to the university community and Stockton area in a way that supports our student athletes as future leaders in their fields,” he said. “First Lady Jean Callahan’s #WomenSupportingWomen program is an amazing opportunity to support future women leaders—and to have some fun in the process.”

CASABA CLUB

Building a new legacy

From enhanced playing opportunities to increased academic support, a revitalized basketball booster club is priming Pacific’s student-athletes for success on and off the court.

The newly relaunched Casaba Club will provide funds for men’s and women’s basketball to elevate and sustain championship caliber NCAA Division I basketball programs.

The club was Pacific’s original basketball support group, a precursor to the Pacific Athletic Foundation, which today supports all Pacific athletics programs.

“I’m excited about launching the Casaba Club to support our basketball programs and assist in our vision of winning championships,” said Director of Athletics Adam Tschuor. “As we strive to position ourselves at the top of the West Coast Conference, having the Casaba Club invest in our student-athletes, coaches, facilities and our pursuit of championships will be a pillar for sustained success.” Members will have exclusive access to interact with athletes and coaches, including at select open practices, and invitations to team events and gameday experiences. It also includes access to high quality “Team Only” Casaba Club/Pacific Tigers Adidas-branded gear not available to the public.

Members also have priority on conference postseason tickets and hotel room reservations, including for the NCAA Tournament. Casaba Club membership is $500 per month or $6,000 annually.

“The creation of the Casaba Club shows the commitment of our department and

the dedication of our boosters in creating an environment where our student-athletes can thrive,” said men’s basketball head coach Dave Smart. “It will make a significant impact on our program, and every dollar raised will go directly to support our student-athletes.”

The Casaba Club provides funding for teams to travel internationally for competition every four years, and improves the teams’ scheduling by providing money for chartering travel for away games and entry fees for high-quality tournaments.

It also allows the programs to provide Alston money, which is direct financial support for student-athletes to cover education-related expenses such as computers and other items needed to attend college.

“The Casaba Club sets a new standard for community engagement and support for our student-athletes,” said women’s basketball head coach Bradley Davis. “It will provide an outlet for the community to directly contribute to our program and be part of our success. Membership will not only assist us in our quest of winning championships but also improve the overall college experience of our student-athletes.”

WHY CASABA? Casaba references the melon variety commonly grown in the region and recognizes the significant impact of produce and agriculture on the local community. In addition, it honors distinguished alumnus Donald J. Smith ’52, a former Pacific Regent, staunch athletics supporter and melon and vegetable producer.

To find out more or become a member, contact Director of Athletics Development Amanda Leland at aleland@pacific.edu or 209.946.2591.

+ ADIDAS IS PACIFIC’S NEW APPAREL SPONSOR Pacific Athletics announced agreements with Adidas, as the exclusive provider for the Tigers, and with Game One, the largest national team dealer for Adidas apparel.

FIRST LADY JEAN CALLAHAN

A PERFECT MATCH

When Sem Verbeek ’16 was in high school in the Netherlands, he emailed nearly every school in the United States that offered a pre-med degree to see if they would take him on as a tennis player.

Pacific was the only school that returned his email.

“A lot of schools viewed me as a risk out of high school because I’d undergone hip surgery and didn’t have that many wins,” Verbeek said. “Pacific offered the major I was looking for, and I was thankful that head coach Ryan Redondo offered me the chance to play on the team as a walk-on.”

Twelve years later, Verbeek has a doubles ranking of No. 54 in the world and won matches at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. He made three Grand Slam appearances in 2024 after playing in the French Open. Verbeek’s win at Wimbledon with his doubles partner, French tennis player Romain Arneodo, was one of the most memorable of his life.

“It was always a dream of mine to play in a Grand Slam, and the Wimbledon win was the happiest of my career. We arrived at Wimbledon as alternates and didn’t even know if we’d get a chance to play.

While at Wimbledon, he met up with current Pacific head coach and reigning West Coast Conference Coach of the Year Robin Goodman, who was in attendance as a spectator.

“Sem is a fantastic ambassador for Pacific and for our program,” Good-

man said. “He has proven that with consistent hard work and dedication, you can get a high-quality degree without compromising your dreams of being a professional player.”

Verbeek, who graduated summa cum laude from Pacific with a 3.94 grade point average and a degree in Exercise and Sports Science, followed up his Wimbledon win with a firstround victory at the U.S. Open with UC Berkeley alumnus Andre Goransson. The duo came from behind again for a 4-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (11) triumph.

Verbeek credits his coaches at Pacific with helping him develop into the player he is today.

“I wasn’t fully developed when I first got to college, but I must credit Coach Ryan and his

A WINNING DRIVE

SEM VERBEEK ’16

staff with Coach Daniel Llarenas and Coach Adi Kremer for helping me grow,” Verbeek said. “I had opportunities to transfer to bigger schools, but I felt we had something special going at Pacific.

“Four years can really turn into a beautiful painting for anyone,” Verbeek said. “Pacific was the perfect university for me with the small class sizes and the personal relationships I formed with the professors. It was instrumental for me as I was growing as a person. If I didn’t go to Pacific, I probably wouldn’t have made it professionally. Pacific will always have a special place in my heart.”

The men’s golf team made history this fall by winning their first tournament since 2014. The Tigers competed at The Goat, a 15-school tournament hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and won the event by nine strokes after three rounds.

“It’s exciting to see all the hard work these guys are putting in pay off,” said 10th year head coach John Cook. “It was a team effort and that is what made me happy.”

Three of Pacific’s golfers finished in the top five with Travis Robbie ’26, Timothy Jung ’26 and Deitrek Gill ’26 leading the charge in the lineup.

FROM PATIENT TO STUDENT SOFTBALL

PLAYER’S JOURNEY AT PACIFIC COMES FULL CIRCLE

Pacific softball’s Amanda Bricker ’26 was born genetically deaf. A former patient of the Pacific Speech, Hearing and Language Center, Bricker was in spired at a young age to pursue speech-lan guage pathology in what she deemed a fullcircle moment.

“I received cochlear implants at 18 months,” Bricker said. “You have to go through speech therapy to learn how to speak and work with them. One of the places I attended was the clinic here at Pacific.”

Bricker’s connection with the speech-language pathology program also comes at a more personal level. Her academic advi sor, Associate Professor and chair of Speech-Language Pathology Derek Isetti ‘08, was a graduate student at the time and observed her clinicals.

“It’s really neat to have a stu dent who came here as a child and wants to pursue the same career that she was inspired by,” Isetti said.

Bricker, an infielder from Oak dale, California, is back on cam pus after transferring from Cali fornia Baptist University. It was a decision she deemed fitting because of her connection to campus and the speech-lan guage pathology program.

“She is back here playing softball and in the same program that helped her. I find that truly amaz ing,” said former Head Coach Brian Kolze, who re cruited Bricker. “She’s put her nose to the grindstone and has tried to accomplish anything and everything she can. She has never let anything hold her back.”

While sports are often a place of so lace and finding strength and community for those with disabilities, that was never the case for Bricker.

“I didn’t do it to fit in with other students; I just enjoyed playing,” she said. “People never knew that I was deaf until I said, ‘You have to talk facing me so I can read your lips. I can’t hear.

“Softball was a place to get away from the other stressors of life. It’s not as difficult as people think when I am out there. Maybe when it is windy out, but I have always been able to rely on my teammates, where it’s more physical communication versus verbal communication.”

It’s been a welcome learning curve for her teammates and coaches who all work to ensure that Bricker meets success.

“It was different for me as a coach for the first time to have a deaf player,” Kolze explained, “I was learning every day how to communicate better and find out what works best. We adjusted how we communicated to make it easier for her as a student-athlete, so she can continue to attain her goals both on the field as well as in the classroom.”

After she graduates from the speech-language pathology program, Bricker plans to pursue an advanced degree in audiology to help other children and parents navigate testing and diagnosis. “I want to be an advocate for the patient and parents,” Bricker said.

“I want to be that person to tell the parents it’s okay. I know when my parents found out I was deaf, they could have used somebody who said it was going to be okay.

“I feel like being that support system for the parents, sharing that I am deaf, that I went through school, I played college softball and now I am here as your child’s doctor, is my calling, my God-given purpose, and I think it’s an amazing thing.”

LEFT TO RIGHT

Top: Media X student

Jose Flores-Jimenez ‘25, Bob Bejan ‘82, chemistry student Simran Pravin ‘26

Middle: Jennifer Maxwell, social work student

Darren Sosa ‘23, ‘24

Bottom: Music performance student Emma Northcutt ‘24, Dorothy Cummings

THE ST0RY 0F A GIFT

Every gift to University of the Pacific tells a story of gratitude, vision and the power of giving back.

“When donors share their story through a gift,” says Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president for development and alumni relations, “they are inviting our students and faculty to add powerful new chapters.”

Here, four very different stories illustrate the wide-ranging impact of philanthropic gifts on Pacific’s legacy of excellence. These journeys don’t end with the gift; they take on new life, creating endless opportunities for students to add their own chapters to the greater Pacific story.

SCHOLARSHIPS: ENERGIZING CONSERVATORY STUDENTS

Philanthropist Jennifer Maxwell is the creator of JAMBAR, a line of organic energy bars inspired by her personal passion for music. She donates 50% of the bars’ profits to music and active living organizations.

Maxwell recently gifted $100,000 to Pacific to establish the JAMBAR Music Endowed Scholarship, which will support Conservatory students beginning fall 2025.

“Music has been transformative for me, and I want others to experience that,” Maxwell said. “Pacific students provide transformative experiences. The more we support them, the greater their ability to bring joy, hope and healing where it’s needed most.”

This fall, 93% of Conservatory students received financial aid through scholarships or grants.

“Jennifer is providing opportunities at Pacific for those who wouldn’t have them otherwise and who will make a difference in the world through their research, artistry and service,” said Conservatory Dean Peter Witte.

“Music has been transformative for me, and I want others to experience that.”

Jennifer Maxwell

“Our gift seemed like the appropriate way to acknowledge Pacific’s impact on my career and to acknowledge my parents as the true enablers of where I come from and what I am.”

Maxwell is best known as the co-inventor of PowerBar. She and her late husband Brian Maxwell, both avid marathoners, created the popular snack in the 1980s.

After Brian died, Jennifer Maxwell found healing through music. In 2021 she launched JAMBAR, made from premium, natural ingredients, all-natural sweeteners and substantial protein and fiber. Flavors include Chocolate Cha-Cha, Musical Mango, Malt Nut Melody, Jammin’ Jazzleberry and Tropical Trio.

JAMBARs are sold online and in health food, athletic and grocery stores, and are a featured bar for Pacific Athletics. Maxwell enjoys seeing her profits make an impact.

“Brian and I started from nothing 40 years ago and we received so much love and support from our community as we grew. It’s a privilege to give that back now,” she said.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING: SETTING THE STAGE FOR STUDENTS’ CAREERS

Bob Bejan ’82 is helping a new generation of students learn by doing. With a $250,000 gift, he and his wife Bonne are providing irreplaceable opportunities for Media X students.

Named for Bejan’s parents, the Barbara and Benjamin Bejan Experiential Learning Endowment has provided 18 Pacific students with global opportunities since 2022.

“Our gift seemed like the appropriate way to acknowledge Pacific’s impact on my career and to acknowledge my parents as the true enablers of where I come from and what I am,” Bejan explained.

Bejan’s career took him from performing in musicals to writing them to joining the founding musical team for the

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ live tour. He later held leadership roles at Warner Brothers, AOL and Microsoft.

Now, with Bejan’s help, Pacific is nurturing students’ careers on a global scale. At the Cannes Film Festival in France, students filmed events, assisted guests and helped coordinate programming.

“It gave me an idea of the people I’ll need to be around in order to be successful,” recalled HT Fleming ‘24. “I met people in aspects of the film industry that I didn’t understand or even know existed before going to Cannes.”

More recently, students attended the South by Southwest Film Festival in Texas. The Bejan Endowment supported their housing, travel and participation costs.

Alongside his philanthropy, Bejan enjoys gifting students his hardearned wisdom.

“I remind them there’s a lot of very satisfying work in the field if you’re willing to open your mind and have a learn-it-all approach, rather than a know-it-all approach,” he said.

FACULTY EXCELLENCE: HONORING SOCIAL WORKER’S LEGACY

Dorothy Cummings was a highly gifted social worker. With her husband, renowned psychologist Nicholas A. Cummings, she pioneered the integration of medical and behavioral health care.

Dorothy Cummings died in December 2023. To honor her, the Cummings Foundation for Behavioral Health committed $500,000 to Pacific to create the Dr. Dorothy M. Cummings Endowed Professorship in Social Work.

“It’s exciting to dedicate this professorship to my mother. She contributed so much to making behavioral health

Bob Bejan ’82

more visible, more accessible and giving people more of a reason to be passionate about it,” said Andy Cummings ’86, foundation board chair and Dorothy Cummings’ son.

The Cummings Professorship is the first endowed faculty position in the School of Health Sciences. The school is part of the Pacific Health Care Collaborative, an innovative combination of dental, medical and behavioral health services on the university’s Sacramento Campus.

Amanda West, chair and director of Pacific’s social work program, is delighted that the professorship will

address a national shortage of qualified practitioners.

“It will enable a faculty member to make an impact not only by training students, but by doing research to help implement services in the community,” West said.

Andy Cummings is grateful that his mother’s legacy will advance the work she championed.

“She was a real problem solver, and I think she’d be proud to see Pacific equipping students to solve a significant problem and pay forward what they are receiving,” he said.

“It’s exciting to dedicate this professorship to my mother. She contributed so much to making behavioral health more visible, more accessible and giving people more of a reason to be passionate about it.”

Andy Cummings ’86

The Stauffer Trust provided Pacific with $1 million to endow fellowships for chemistry and biochemistry majors. Alumni and friends contributed an additional $1 million.

FELLOWSHIP: EMPOWERING UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHERS

Like many biochemistry students, Simran Pravin ’26 aspires to attend medical school. When she applies, she’ll have a competitive edge thanks to a summer research fellowship funded by the John Stauffer Charitable Trust.

“As a second year, it would be very difficult at most universities to get an opportunity like this, to really harness my skills and build them up. I’m so grateful for this chance,” Pravin said.

At most colleges and universities in the United States, research opportunities for undergraduates are rare. Recognizing this, the Stauffer Trust provided Pacific with $1 million to endow fellowships for chemistry and biochemistry majors. Alumni and friends contributed an additional $1 million.

The John Stauffer Charitable Trust was established in 1974 by John Stauffer, executive vice president of Stauffer Chemical Co. Its grants support hospital and higher education programs that link science and medicine and emphasize chemistry.

Since 2017, the trust has supported more than 40 Pacific students. Many are now pursuing advanced degrees or working at prestigious institutions including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the University of Texas, UC Irvine and UC Davis Health.

“We are seeing firsthand how the opportunity to do laboratory research early in their academic careers, combined with strong mentorship, gives students the foundation to truly excel in their fields,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert.

Considering sharing your story through a gift?

Contact Scott Biedermann, vice president for development and alumni relations, at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.

Couple will leave a legacy with largest gift in School of Health Sciences’ history

Julie (Caballero) Somawang ’79, ’81 loves helping patients build strength and confidence. The veteran speech-language pathologist credits Pacific with molding her into a competent and understanding clinician.

To support future care providers, Somawang and her husband Mark made a $5.5 million planned gift to Pacific’s School of Health Sciences. Their bequest will create an endowed scholarship for first-generation, underrepresented students studying speech-language pathology and other health disciplines.

A Hispanic first-generation college graduate herself, Somawang resonates with the experiences of those following in her footsteps.

“You never forget where you came from, and I know there are many other students in the same situation I was,” she said. “It feels good to be able to pay forward the support I received and to know it will help other deserving students.”

Established in 2020, the School of Health Sciences is the newest of Pacific’s nine schools and colleges. The Somawangs’ bequest is the largest charitable gift in its history and is the second planned gift it has received.

Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president for development and alumni relations, appreciates that Julie and Mark recognize the importance of supporting health care education for the long term.

“Pacific is doing remarkable work equipping our students to address today’s health care crisis. But our communities will always need skilled practitioners, and there will always be students who need support to an-

swer that call,” Biedermann said. “Julie and Mark’s extraordinary gift will manifest in a stronger, more diverse health workforce for generations to come.”

Julie Somawang, a Los Angeles native, was raised by Cuban and Guatemalan immigrant parents who instilled in her a strong work ethic and encouraged her to pursue a college degree. Her interest in a health career was sparked through volunteer work and, with guidance from her high school counselor, she chose to pursue speech-language pathology.

She thrived at Pacific and, with the help of scholarships, graduated debt-free.

“I received one scholarship from a donor who specifically wanted to support someone of Hispanic heritage from Los Angeles,” she explained. “That’s why our gift is for first-generation, underrepresented students, because that’s how I benefited.”

Somawang began her career in educational settings. She worked as a speech therapist for a Head Start program in Stockton, for schools serving migrant farmworker children in Ripon and Escalon and later, for the Rio Linda School District in Sacramento and the Hawaii Department of Education.

Mark Somawang, a Central Valley native, graduated from Sacramento State University and built a career in sales. He currently is global manager for the military division of Kellogg. His work and the couple’s passion for travel have taken them to more than 60 countries.

Today they live in Seattle. Julie is a practicing speech pathologist at Swedish Hospital, where she serves adult patients impacted by

Make An Impact that Lasts Forever

Julie and Mark Somawang’s gift will have an enduring impact on Pacific students and their communities. Like the Somawangs, you can explore Pacific’s deferred giving opportunities and find a charitable plan that allows you to provide for your loved ones while supporting Tigers for generations to come.

strokes, head and neck cancers, swallowing issues and voice disorders.

“Pacific taught me how to interact with people and be compassionate. Every day is different because every person is different, and helping people brings a lot of internal satisfaction,” she said.

Established in 1936, speech-language pathology is the oldest program in the School of Health Sciences. Its students have provided no-cost services to children and adults with communication disorders for more than 30 years.

"We are honored that Julie and Mark chose to make a gift that will help anchor our future,” said Nicoleta Bugnariu, the school’s founding dean. “Their generosity will one day have a transformative impact in students' lives and a ripple effect in the communities they care for.”

"This gift is a profound expression of their love for Pacific, their passion for education, and their belief in our students' potential to mitigate health care disparities, address unmet needs and, in many cases, to save lives."

For Julie Somawang, the couple’s gift is a way to support the school’s future while honoring her unique journey.

“I feel so proud and grateful to be a graduate of Pacific. It’s wonderful that the university has expanded to train workers in so many areas of the medical profession. And knowing we’ll be able to play a part in helping all those students—that’s been so rewarding.”

Gifts During Your Lifetime Real estate, qualified charitable distributions from an IRA, donoradvised funds, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts

Gifts Through Your Estate Designate Pacific in your will or trust, or add Pacific as a beneficiary on an account or life insurance policy.

? To learn more, contact Molly Byrne, sr. associate vice president for development, 209.946.2780, mbyrne1@pacific.edu

You never forget where you came from, and I know there are many other students in the same situation I was.

Julie (Caballero) Somawang ’79, ’81

PACIFIC GIVES MORE THAN EVER

Pacific called, and Tigers answered in unprecedented numbers.

On April 23 and 24, the university’s annual day of giving raised a record-breaking $2 million from more than 4,000 donors. The 24-hour online fundraiser shattered all previous records for both donor participation and donations raised.

The outpouring of support spanned the globe, with gifts coming from alumni, faculty, staff and students, along with their families and friends in nearly every U.S. state and more than a dozen countries.

"Pacific Gives proves every year how strong, dedicated and generous this community is and how far we’ll go to support students and each other," said Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president for development and alumni relations. “I’m deeply grateful to every contributor and am overwhelmed and inspired by what we accomplished together.”

The day’s success included 100% participation from the Board of Regents, the president’s cabinet, the deans and the Pacific Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Three hundred Pacific Gives ambassadors amplified the message, leveraging social media and sending impassioned emails and texts to inspire giving within their networks. Ambassadors across all three campuses generated more than $677,000—nearly a third of the day’s total.

“It’s always a joy to witness the passion so many people have for Pacific and our students,” said President Christopher Callahan. “This community effort strengthens the university and reaffirms the spirit of generosity and camaraderie that defines us. Pacific Gives proves that we truly are better together.”

To learn more about Pacific Gives, contact Amber Flores at 209.946.7345 or aflores6@pacific.edu.

Ky

, a Pacific Alumni Association board member, was the top Pacific Gives ambassador, personally securing donations to the Community Involvement Program.

I always held it close to my heart that I would come back to the community that nurtured me. I invited people to support CIP because the program meant so much to me from my youth, and I wanted to support other kids who cannot afford a higher education.

Kuy

‘92

University of the Pacific students Salvador Reyes '25 and Elisabeth Garner '25, both scholarship recipients, share the power of philanthropy at the Pacific Gives kick-off luncheon.

Kuy Ky ‘92

RAISED

FOR MORE THAN 150 ACADEMIC, ATHLETIC AND STUDENT LIFE PROGRAMS

For a second straight year, Dalee Higgins ‘25 was Pacific’s top student ambassador, recruiting 85 donors to support the Tiger cross country program.

300 ambassadors across all three campuses generated more than 677000 , $

nearly a third of the day’s total.

Pacific Gives donors gave nearly $9,000 in gifts enough to provide 45,000 pounds of food while staffing the pantry six hours a week for a whole year.

The Pacific Fund helps students overcome unexpected financial hardships. During Pacific Gives, donors funded 73 emergency grants for students in need.

During Pacific Gives, 331 donors to the School of Health Sciences gave nearly $60,000 —enough to award nine Dean’s Resilience Endowed Scholarships this year.

A Conversation with Mia Arostigui

First, she was a student leader. Five years after graduating from University of the Pacific, Mia

is an alumni champion.

Arostigui ’19

Arostigui is a recent graduate of the Community Involvement Program and president of the CIP Alumni Club. She is also a Pacific Loyal donor, meaning she’s made a gift at least two years in a row. She joins more than 2,500 other alumni and friends who achieved Pacific Loyal status this year. We recently caught up with Arostigui to hear why she stays involved, why she gives and why—no matter your age or your budget—every gift counts.

Tell us what you’ve been up to since you graduated. I have an art degree, and I always wanted to mix art, community and my love for Stockton. I now work for Tuleburg Press, a nonprofit that publishes books representative of Stockton and San Joaquin County. My volunteer work with Pacific was instrumental in helping me get this job.

Why did you want to stay in Stockton?

Even in high school I said I didn’t want to leave Stockton; I wanted to grow with it. All my friends who wanted to get out were going to grow into incredible people somewhere else and not bring their leadership here, where Stockton could really benefit from their impact.

Why have you stayed engaged with Pacific?

Because your time with Pacific doesn't end when you graduate! It’s easy to receive something and just keep going. It’s way more of a challenge and a test of character to stay involved and continue giving beyond what you’ve received. As an alumna, I get to volunteer for cool things and share my experiences with others. Pacific and CIP empowered me, and I’ll always give back to help others become empowered too.

What does being Pacific Loyal mean to you?

When you’re done with school and starting a career, it can feel like you don’t belong to anything anymore—like your whole life is just bills, groceries and Netflix. With Pacific Loyal, I still belong to something. I’m actively choosing where to give my money, and I’m becoming a shareholder in what I believe in and want to support. That makes me feel like I’m spending money with a little bit more purpose.

Pacific Loyal this year has more than 100 members who are under 30 years old. Why is that significant?

Pacific Loyal is dismantling this idea of the young, broke college graduate. In our twenties we might not be mil-

lion-dollar donors yet, but we’re still invested—we have the same mindset as people who give millions. We recognize that it isn’t about how much you give, it’s the fact that you’re “on the team,” that you’re showing up and that Pacific is on your radar. Giving even a little bit means you have a heart for something, and Pacific Loyal acknowledges that we all have the same heart to give to something we won’t receive in return.

So the key is to give what you’re able and know that it matters.

Yes. In CIP, we believe we plant seeds that grow trees whose shade we may never sit under. I won’t always get a direct benefit for what I give, and that’s okay, because my dollars will help someone else. I can give $5.00, and that’s $5.00 less that somebody is scared about.

And all those “little” gifts add up to something big, right?

Absolutely! It may feel like a small amount isn’t important, but everyone I’ve ever talked to affirms that little things build up to create a big impact. Together, we’re giving thousands. Together, young alumni are doing really great things for Pacific.

Loyal recognizes donors who make a cash gift of any amount for at least two consecutive fiscal years (July 1–June 30). Once you achieve this distinction, you are recognized for the total number of years in which you have made gifts to University of the Pacific.

To learn more visit

Photo Above: Mia Arostigui at the CIP Gala during Pacific’s Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024.

ACLOSER LOOK

It’s hard to imagine that before Pacific moved its campus to Stockton in 1924, the original plot of land was nothing more than a wheatfield–a landscape absent of the iconic gothic towers, prismatic windows, fragrant roses, majestic trees and ivy-covered brick that now define the campus. Today, Pacific stands as a paragon of Collegiate Gothic architecture and is consistently recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses in America. Let’s explore the elements that have made Pacific, as a 1925 article in the student newspaper proclaimed, “the place of beauty.”

Vbetween Knoles Hall and the William Knox Holt Memorial Library may be surprised to encounter a ring of six marble columns. Though they don’t date back to ancient Greece, these pillars have a storied history that predates the Stockton Campus. Originally erected in the 1890s as part of the Hazelton Free Public Library on Market and Hunter Streets in Stockton, the columns were spared from demolition when the library was torn down in 1965. The Stockton City Council voted to preserve them and donate them to the university, with Councilman Claude Busick stating, “I feel it would be a crime to put these marble columns on a rubbish heap…It seems fitting to preserve them in an educational center.” By 1967, the columns were moved to Pacific’s grounds and dedi-

isitors strolling cated as a memorial to Grace Condit Weeks, Lois Condit Keys and Ida Elizabeth Condit—three women deeply connected to the Hazelton Library and relatives of Grace Burns, wife of then President Robert E. Burns.

To prevent a visual illusion that would make the columns appear to bow outward if they were perfectly vertical, they were installed with a slight inward tilt. This nearly imperceptible adjustment ensures that, if imaginary lines were extended upward from each column, they would not intersect until a mile above ground.

Beyond their visual appeal, the columns hold a surprising secret that has become a favorite university tradition. When someone stands on the metal plate in the center and speaks while facing a column, their voice becomes amplified due to an acoustic effect called constructive interference. This phenomenon happens when the peaks of the sound waves align and double their amplitude, making the voice significantly louder. Stand and speak anywhere else and the effect vanishes.

In 2015, the Stockton College class of 1951 honored this historic feature with a dedicated plaque, ensuring the columns remain a cherished part of Pacific’s landscape and Stockton’s rich history.

Few trees are more befitting California’s oldest university than the state trees—the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). Both species are prominently featured in locations across campus.

Pacific’s well-forested grounds are due in part to the efforts of John McLaren, the renowned landscape architect of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. McLaren was a personal friend of Rolla V. Watt, chairman of the Board of Trustees and head of the campus relocation committee, and an acquaintance of famed naturalist and fellow Scotsman, John Muir. When Watt solicited bids for landscaping Pacific’s new campus, McLaren responded, “Rolla, I would like to help with the landscaping of that new college of yours down at Stockton.” McLaren’s plans called for groupings of the same varietals and many trees, particularly evergreens, which reminded him of his native Scotland.

Coastal redwoods are the tallest trees on the planet, capable of growing more than 300 feet high, and are found throughout campus. One majestic cluster is located north of West Memorial Hall, which houses the Finance Center. Aerial photographs from the 1930s reveal redwood trees in this exact location, confirming that some specimens are now 100 years old. In 2019 the Board of Regents named the grove the Pamela Eibeck and Bill Jeffrey Muir Grove, honoring the former president and first gentleman and the renowned naturalist. The naming also celebrated the university’s acquisition of the largest collection of letters, journals and other materials written or owned by John Muir,

which was officially transferred to the university during Eibeck’s tenure. Located near the edge of the grove is a distinctive metal sculpture of a Möbius strip, a mathematical structure with no beginning or end. It was created by artist Dennis Patton and dedicated by the Interfaith Council in 2002 to honor students who passed away while attending Pacific. A cement pathway and picnic tables beneath the canopy offer visitors a shady spot to stroll and relax, enveloped in the refreshing, earthy scent of evergreen.

Giant sequoias, with their rich, red bark and massive trunks, are the largest trees by volume in the world. These colossal conifers can be found throughout campus. Some of the largest specimens were originally sourced from Calaveras Big Trees State Park, 75 miles east of campus off Highway 4. A cluster of three giant sequoias is located on Knoles Lawn, southwest of Weber Hall, behind a memorial plaque dedicated to Pacific’s beloved football coach, Amos Alonzo Stagg–his larger-than-life legacy reflected in the grandeur of the trees.

THIS SEQUOIA GIGANTEA ON KNOLES LAWN, SOUTHWEST OF WEBER HALL WAS PLANTED ON ARBOR DAY, MARCH 7, 1944.

Coastal redwoods are the tallest trees on the planet, capable of growing more than 300 feet high, and are found throughout campus.

A third redwood species found on campus–the dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)–is a rare and ancient conifer from central China. This species dates to the Jurassic period and was thought extinct until its rediscovery in the 1940s. Today, one lone specimen grows on campus, just west of Raymond Great Hall.

These majestic redwoods, with their towering presence, impenetrable bark and ability to thrive for thousands of years, stand as living symbols of Pacific’s enduring legacy—deeply rooted in the past and reaching far into the future.

Roses have long been the sentimental sweethearts of the garden, revered both for their beauty and deep symbolism. In the early decades of the 20th century, the fascination with rose gardens in America reached new heights. This period, often referred to as the “Golden Age” of American rose gardens, was marked by significant advancements in rose breeding and the establishment of private and public rose gardens. The university’s grounds were no exception.

It’s nearly impossible to enter the Stockton Campus without passing roses, which line the entrances at Larry Heller Drive and Knoles Way. There are approximately 1,100 rose bushes on campus in seven different groupings. Pacific’s roses are predominantly hybrid tea varieties, a hardy breed recognized for their large, high-centered blooms, wide-ranging color palette and ability to bloom repeatedly.

In winter, just after the last frost, the plants are trimmed back to their stubby centers and then burst into bloom by spring–just in time for Commencement–dotting the campus with colorful confetti and filling it with the sweet smell of potpourri.

Caring for the roses is a year-round job. “They’re high maintenance,” admits Superintendent Toby Rose (yes, that is his name), who has taken care of Pacific’s grounds for nearly 25 years. After pruning in winter, Rose and his team deadhead the blooms all throughout summer to stimulate new growth. They also check the roses for aphids, fertilize and water them heavily once a week

In winter, just after the last frost, the plants are trimmed back to their stubby centers and then burst into bloom by spring–just in time for Commencement–dotting the campus with colorful confetti and filling it with the sweet smell of potpourri.

using non-potable water. It’s a labor of love for Rose, who says the roses are “all unique in their own way.”

The most iconic of Pacific’s rose gardens, located between Knoles Hall and Burns Tower, is known simply as the “Rose Garden” on campus maps. The outlines of the garden are visible in architectural plans of campus dating back to the 1920s.

At the heart of the garden is the “Compass Rose,” a striking pebble mosaic measuring nine feet in diameter. This unique landmark was inspired by a Pacific Music Camp student who marked compass points in the sand to orient himself. Susanne Scheuer of the art department saw the creation and envisioned turning it into a permanent feature. Elaine Stanley ’41, a graduate student, took on the project as part of a requirement for her master’s degree. Stanley collected stones for the mosaic from a beach north of Santa Cruz, carefully selecting them for size and color (red, tan and black) to complement the construction materials in campus buildings. Stanley spent over 300 hours assembling sections of the mosaic in her backyard in Modesto before it was set into forms and cemented on campus in 1950.

The campus gained another rose garden in 1995 when President Bill Atchley created the First Ladies’ Rose

Garden along Atchley Way, west of Knoles Hall, during the final days of his presidency. This serene, circular garden is enclosed by four benches, each dedicated to one of the university’s former first ladies–Emily Knoles, Grace Burns Baun, Beth McCaffrey and Pat Atchley–in recognition of their service to the university.

Pacific’s roses also have inspired several urban legends over the years. One story warns that clipping the blooms or damaging the plants will incur hefty fines. While this is more fiction than fact, any vandalism of these treasured plants is subject to disciplinary action. Another myth claims that a parent donated the roses in exchange for their child’s tuition–a charming yet unlikely tale.

“Those would have to be some really expensive roses,” laughs Rose.

While the exact age of Pacific’s oldest roses is unknown, he estimates some plants are between 50 and 80 years old. “You can tell by the trunks,” he explains. “They start to look gnarled like old grapevines.” Their longevity is a testament to the meticulous care they receive which has solidified their place as a symbol of Pacific’s beauty and a cherished part of the university’s identity.

1,100

APPROXIMATELY ROSE BUSHES ON CAMPUS IN SEVEN DIFFERENT GROUPINGS

If Burns Tower is the architectural beacon of the Stockton Campus, Morris Chapel is its crown jewel. In his annual report to the Board of Trustees in 1939, President Knoles outlined a list of objectives for Pacific’s future. Among his recommendations, he stated: “A medium-sized auditorium with a churchlike design, dedicated exclusively to religious services, is greatly needed.”

Construction began on Morris Chapel in 1939. It was dedicated on April 19, 1942, and named for its benefactors, Percy and Lillie Morris. Beneath its Gothic vaulted arches and wood-beamed ceiling, its stained-glass windows are a triumph–a resplendent blend of art and architecture that inspires contemplation and draws a bridge to the divine.

The windows were originally crafted in the early 1930s for the Temple Methodist Church in San Francisco by renowned stained glass artist Harold W. “Pat” Cummings. When the church fell into financial hardship in 1937 and had to vacate its building, the windows were salvaged by a university trustee and donated to Pacific.

The chancel window, a stunning focal point behind the altar, is composed of three separate lancet windows portraying the virtues of faith, love and hope, with Christ at its center. Before coming to Pacific, the windows were on display at the Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island from 1939 to 1940 where they won honors for exceptional quality. The three panels were later merged to form the grand design seen today.

The circular rose window spans an impressive 50 feet in diameter, illuminating the chapel’s eastern wall in a kaleidoscope of color. This stunning masterpiece tells the story of Christ’s life through a series of intricate rosettes, each one representing a different chapter of his life. The entire design is unified by the central rosette of the Cross and the Crown, symbolizing the Kingdom of God.

Clerestory windows that line the chapel’s walls portray scenes from the Old Testament, Gospels and Epistles. These windows were designed specifically for the chapel and funded by university donors and

friends. Amos Alonzo Stagg sponsored the windows depicting the Old Testament figures Amos and Ruth, in honor of his parents who were named after them. Notably, the chapel’s stained glass includes an impressive representation of eight women—a progressive choice as women appear less frequently in religious art and have fewer speaking roles in the Bible.

The chapel’s stained glass was crafted using a “lucent mosaic” technique, a rare and laborious process developed by Cummings in his San Francisco studio. During a 1994 visit to campus, Bill Cummings, Pat’s son and successor, declared the chapel’s windows “the finest lucent mosaic windows in the world.”

‘A THING OF BEAUTY’

Celebrating

60 years of Burns Tower

For Claudia (Olson) Alt ’64, her usual picturesque walk on the Pacific campus was never so beautiful as the afternoon in 1964 when she heard the Burns Tower carillon echoing across the lawn for the first time as the bells were tested in the newly constructed tower.

“The music that resounded over our campus was a thing of beauty,” Alt, a student at the time, wrote in a letter to then-President Robert E. Burns. “I noticed students, faculty, gardeners (and) workmen all stopped and spent that moment in total joy…I have been proud of Pacific. But never so much as today.”

“The carillons were beautiful, and the beauty was not in the mu-

sic alone, but in the reflections, the mem ories, the thoughts that stopped all of us for that one moment,” Alt went on to write.

The sound of the bells is one of the most iconic features of Burns Tower; its chimes and musical arrangements can be heard far beyond the campus gates.

Though the carillon’s technology has changed over the years, its sounds have remained a constant for generations of Pacific students.

“The smallness of the university and the opportunities that it gave me, that’s what I cherish,” Alt later said, reflecting back on her years at

Pacific. “And what I have observed today, albeit from afar, is that Mr. Callahan has done just an enormously successful job in recruiting people of such high quality, such good credentials and such commitment to growing the university with emphasis on love of community.”

From the sound of the bells ringing out at the top of the tower to long-forgotten treasures uncovered in its basement, read on to explore 60 years of Burns Tower history.

Photo above: A letter from President Robert E. Burns to student Claudia (Olson) Alt ‘64 about the pleasant sound and atmosphere the Burns Tower carillon bells made.

BUILDING

AN ICON

The tower, standing at 178 feet, was named in honor of Robert E. Burns who was president from 1946 to 1971, the first alumnus to serve as president.

For Burns, it symbolized his ambitious dreams for the university. In his final years as president, he moved his office to the tower where it overlooked the campus.

CONSTRUCTION FACTS

40,000

HOURS OF LABOR

200,000

6,000,000 POUNDS OF CONCRETE POUNDS OF REINFORCING STEEL

Photo above: A preliminary sketch of a proposed tower design by architect Howard G. Bissell

Photo left: Additional Bissell tower proposal

A Practical Purpose

The tower was designed to conceal a 150,000-gallon water tank. It was placed on the top three floors behind 24 stainedglass windows, though it is no longer in use.

In the 1970s, there was a long-running student prank attempt to flood the tower by simultaneously flushing every toilet on campus. On one momentous night, it seemed they had succeeded.

A student and a station engineer working overnight at the university radio station housed in the tower at that time heard a sprinkling sound and discovered water gushing down the stairs outside the studio door.

After safely sloshing their way outside, they learned it was not, in fact, caused by the prank but was the result of a valve that malfunctioned while the newly constructed swimming pool was being filled.

Radio Waves

In its early days, the tower hosted a radio station that broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with students serving as the on-air talent. A 1977 article in the student newspaper, The Pacifican, boasted that KUOP could reach an impressive 3.6 million people, more than some commercial stations in the area. More than a quarter million were regular listeners.

Making Music

The beloved bells that ring out daily from the tower originally came from the “Carillon of Faith”—a gift from Paul Davies Jr. in tribute to his wife Faith Davies ’26. The carillon was made up of 122 miniature bell units that were hit with hammers and amplified through speakers.

Music was played from carillon rolls but could also be played live using a keyboard. Professor Emeritus Charles Schilling, who taught at Pacific from 1956–86, performed songs on holidays and special events for nearly 30 years.

The bells ring on the hour with a variety of music played twice daily.

Song selections have ranged from traditional to quirky. Passersby can often hear the theme song to Indiana Jones, which filmed a scene on campus, among other popular and classic tunes. One nearby resident also recalls hearing the bells play “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” on a hot summer day.

The original carillon was replaced with an electronic version in 2000 and upgraded again in 2021.

Photo above: KUOP student broadcaster in 1973

Photo above: Burns Tower under construction in 1963

THE ENTRY POINT TO PACIFIC LIFE

As part of the Tiger Team, Arveen Birdi ’26 is the first to greet prospective students when they visit campus. The Tiger Team works on the first floor of the Burns Tower Welcome Center, where its members share valuable insights from a student’s perspective and provide personalized tours of campus, setting the stage for the close, one-on-

one connections students have at Pacific. “When I came in as a prospective student, that first point of contact really mattered for me,” Birdi said.

The tower, now celebrating 60 years, continues to be a source of pride and one of the university’s most iconic landmarks.

It’s the first stop for prospective students eager to tour campus, the place

When families and prospective students come in, we’re that welcoming face for them. We know what college life is like, and that’s something they really cherish when they visit Pacific.

Arveen Birdi ’26

where admitted students ceremoniously ring the bells to confirm their acceptance and the towering beacon that has overseen decades of commencements on Knoles Lawn.

It’s also a symbol of home.

“I love Pacific, and I think of it like home for me now. When I see the tower, I think ‘Oh, I’m close to home,’” said third-year student Chanel Page ’26, who also works in the tower as part of the Tiger Team.

“It’s really fun working in there. I get to welcome people in,” Page said. “The kids are all excited to be on a college campus. It’s fun and interesting to talk to people and hear their stories.”

From 1964 to 2024, Pacific’s defining values and student-centered focus have remained the same.

Students Lead the Way

A student-led march to the lawn of Burns Tower in 1969 called for President Burns to increase student diversity, which led to the establishment of the Community Involvement Program. The program, which provides scholarships for first-generation college students from Stockton, has had more than 2,000 graduates.

Photo left: President Burns chats with enthusiastic students after his announcement of a plan to provide additional scholarships through the Community Involvement Program.

HISTORY

Burns’ ashes were believed to be placed in the tower’s basement after his death, though their location was a long-forgotten piece of Pacific history.

When Lt. Wayne Germann started working at Pacific in 1989, he heard the rumor that Burns was buried in the tower. But it was nearly 10 years before he discovered a nondescript brass plaque in the corner of the basement underneath the stairwell marking what is believed to be the location of the remains.

Another momentous discovery came in 2021. A five-foot-tall antique steel safe sitting in the basement was pried open with help from the local fire department. Inside was an ancient Babylonian tablet that President Knoles purchased in the 1920s and the first Board of Trustees bylaws and proceedings that document Pacific’s establishment and first name change to University of the Pacific in 1851.

Photos: Various pins and artifacts were found in a safe in the Burns Tower basement.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO…

From the Oscars to the Tonys, Pacific’s talented faculty and alumni have landed many of the entertainment world’s most prestigious awards.

Collectively, they’ve achieved EGOT status for Pacific, snagging Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards while captivating audiences with their powerful performances and mesmerizing music. This year was no exception, as Conservatory of Music professor Eric Dudley added another Grammy—the music world’s highest honor—to the growing list.

MUSIC’S BIGGEST NIGHT

While living in New York 15 years ago, Conservatory of Music Professor Eric Dudley joined seven other vocalists to form the group Roomful of Teeth. Together they cultivated a new and distinct musical style that’s hard to describe, though otherworldly might be a good place to start.

“It’s not the usual songs you hear when you turn on the radio,” Dudley said. “It is intentionally edgy and experimental, yet listenable. That was the guiding aesthetic from the get-go.”

Fast forward to this year’s 66th Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, Roomful of Teeth’s groundbreaking sound earned Dudley and his fellow musicians a Grammy for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance for their album “Rough Magic.”

The ensemble faced fierce competition in the category, including world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. This was the second Grammy win for Dudley, who previously won with the group in the same category in 2014.

“Close to 10 years down the line, it’s great to know the work we’ve been doing since is still fresh, interesting and captivating people to that level,” Dudley said.

Dudley sang and toured with the group for more than 12 years. Though he has since taken a step back, he performed with Roomful of Teeth at several concerts during the 2021-22 album tour for “Rough Magic.”

“He performs as singer, synth player and conductor. Three roles on one recording—that’s an uncanny artistic range,” said Conservatory of Music Dean Peter Witte. “We are so fortunate that he offers his many gifts to students and colleagues.”

Dudley has been teaching in the Conservatory since 2019 where he serves as associate professor of voice and coach and conductor of Pacific’s award-winning Opera Theatre program.

PACIFIC’S GRAMMY LEGACY

Dudley joins alumnus and jazz icon Dave Brubeck ’42 in the Grammy history books. Brubeck, an 8-time Grammy nominee, received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 38th Grammy Awards in 1996.

Though Brubeck started off at Pacific as a pre-veterinary major, he quickly found his calling in the Conservatory and went on to produce world-famous jazz compositions, including “Take Five,” “Blue Rondo a la Turk” and “The Duke.”

Another alumnus, Ray Charles McCullough ‘09 has two Grammy wins for his work on Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I Like” in 2018.

“Dr. Dudley is one of the most influential professors I’ve worked with at Pacific,” said Mia Janosik ’25, a vocal performance major. “His expertise is mind blowing to all of us, and he provides space for us to grow wherever our interests may lead us.”

The Grammy win is helping his students envision their own bright futures ahead. “It’s very inspirational because it’s someone we know who’s in the business and has been an amazing musician for so many years,” said vocal performance major Michael Megenney ’25.

PACIFIC’S FOREVER STARLET

Hollywood scream queen and Pacific alumna Janet Leigh ’47 will forever be known for her iconic role in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 horror film “Psycho.” The part earned Leigh a Golden Globe as best supporting actress. Leigh, a Stockton-native, was also nominated for an Academy Award for the role.

Her Golden Globe is on permanent display in Pacific’s “Janet Leigh Theatre,” which was renamed for her in 2010. It also houses a collection of her movie memorabilia.

Her daughter, actress Jamie Lee Curtis, also won two Golden Globes for the 1994 film “True Lies” and TV series “Anything But Love,” as well as six nominations. Curtis attended Pacific in 1976 before leaving to pursue acting.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN TELEVISION

Alumnus and Pacific Regent Scott Liggett ’71 earned a national Sports Emmy in 1996. The acclaimed music and audio producer was recognized for his work as a music producer for the NCAA men’s basketball championship on ESPN.

Other work produced by Liggett can currently be heard at the world-famous Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles where he composed and produced music and sound for two of the observatory’s planetarium shows, “Signs of Life” and “Centered in the Universe.”

Alumnus David Gerber ’50, a prolific television producer, received an Emmy in 1976 as executive producer of the drama series “Police Story.” Gerber also had six Emmy nominations for “Police Story” and other productions.

“I’D LIKE TO THANK THE ACADEMY.”

College of the Pacific alumna Jo Van Fleet ’41 landed on Holly wood’s biggest stage after her de but performance.

Van Fleet, who attended Pacific in the late 1930s, earned the Oscar for best supporting actress in 1956 for her role as the mother of actor James Dean’s character in “East of Eden.” “I am so happy,” she exclaimed, after bounding out of her seat and onto the stage to accept her award.

THE INFAMOUS SHOWER SCENE IN “PSYCHO” TOOK SEVEN DAYS TO FILM.

Van Fleet was a respected stage actress and had previously won a Tony Award for best featured actress for her role as Jessie Mae Watts in “The Trip to Bountiful” in 1954.

Van Fleet’s acting prowess was evident as a student in Pacific’s dra ma program. DeMarcus Brown, Pa cific’s legendary theater arts director, praised her as an actress “with great potential.” His encouragement led her to pursue opportunities in New York.

Van Fleet initially had to work many odd jobs to keep her career dreams alive until she was discovered by acclaimed director Elia Kazan, who cast her in “East of Eden.”

Nearly 70 years later, alumna Ja mie Lee Curtis won the Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once .”

Photo above: Actress Janet Leigh with husband and actor Tony Curtis at the Golden Globes, in Hollywood, California.

“IT’S AN HONOR TO BE NOMINATED.”

Alumnus Robert Culp ’49, who attended Pacific in the 1940s, received three Emmy nominations for his role as an undercover intelligence agent in the 1960s drama series “I Spy.” He also earned a nomination for writing achievement on the same series.

Another 1940s alumnus, Darren McGavin ’48, earned an Emmy nomination for his role as a guest actor in the 1990s comedy series “Murphy Brown.” He was also well known for his role as Ralphie’s dad, Old Man Parker, in the 1983 holiday classic “A Christmas Story.”

Platinum-selling singer and alumnus Chris Isaak ’80 earned Grammy nominations for best male rock vocal performance for his single “Somebody’s Crying” and best rock album for “Forever Blue.”

THE AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE NAMED “EAST OF EDEN” ONE OF THE TOP 400 GREATEST AMERICAN MOVIES.

WINNING

PERFORMANCE

PACIFIC JAZZ AMBASSADORS’ PROMISING FUTURE IN MUSIC

On the seventh floor of Pacific’s iconic Burns Tower, a captivating medley of jazz music frequently fills the air as the university’s elite student jazz ensemble, the Jazz Ambassadors, rehearses in this dynamic space.

Their talent and hard work have garnered recent recognition beyond the university. Downbeat Magazine, one of the leading publications for jazz music, recently named the Jazz Ambassadors one of the best bands in the country.

The group clinched the top honor in the undergraduate “Small Jazz Combo” category in the magazine’s annual student music awards. Downbeat receives submissions from some of the top music schools around the country, including The Julliard School, The Manhattan School of Music and others.

“I never expected to accomplish something like this, especially as a freshman in college,” said saxophonist Aimee Macdonald ’26. “It always felt pretty unachievable to win any Downbeat award, much less this one.”

Receiving this award brings ongoing national attention to the program, enhancing the Conservatory’s ability to attract and recruit top talent worldwide.

Pacific has previously received recognition from Downbeat Magazine in other categories. Most recently, in 2022, Pacific graduate Tal Kalman ’22 was honored as the best jazz soloist.

The Conservatory supports students with abundant opportunities to perform live and build solid foundations as musicians, empowering them with the confidence to excel on even larger stages as alumni.

Former Conservatory students have gone on to achieve remarkable success, delivering standout performances across the globe.

“Our Conservatory has amazing faculty with experience, connections and insight that students benefit from and utilize to prepare for their future careers,” said Patrick Langham, professor and program director for Jazz Studies.

Under Langham’s guidance, the group trains closely together as part of Pacific’s three-year accelerated bachelor of music honors degree in jazz studies.

The Jazz Ambassadors perform extensively at jazz festivals throughout the United States and abroad. They also perform at the Take 5 Jazz Club near the Stockton Campus.

Giana Pedregon ‘24 (top), Aimee MacDonald ‘26 (bottom left) and Samson Hulett ‘24 (bottom right)

Leo Milano ‘26 (top), Toby Keys ‘22 (bottom left) and Marwan Ghonima ‘24 (bottom right)

Photo left: Jo Van Fleet with her Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1956

Meet Your Pacific Alumni Association Leaders

The Pacific Alumni Association is run by outstanding volunteer leaders who embody the spirit of Pacific. President Joshua Foster ‘08 (Brooklyn, NY) and President-Elect Pamela Gibbs ‘92 (Stockton, CA) share their thoughts about Pacific and the “why” behind their deep involvement in the alumni community.

What inspired your involvement with the Pacific Alumni Association?

Joshua Foster: Having spent my undergraduate years heavily involved in learning opportunities outside the classroom (e.g. ASuop, Pi Kappa Alpha), and being so thankful for those opportunities, I was eager to help current students have the same experiences I had. I also wanted to encourage alumni to re-engage with Pacific in meaningful ways.

Pamela Gibbs: As a proud alumna, it has always felt good to support my alma mater! I first became involved with the alumni association through the Black Alumni Club, where I was inspired by club leaders Rickey Boyland ’79, Norma (Clayton) Ivy ’74 and Marshea Pratt ’93.

What is your favorite Pacific tradition or signature event?

JF: I’ve only recently been able to attend Homecoming and Family Weekend. Travel, life and the pandemic have all gotten in the way. But I’ve had a wonderful experience being back on campus and attending the various weekend activities. I would love to make attending these events a tradition for myself.

PG: I love attending Homecoming and Family Weekend, and as a past member of Pacific Forensics, I enjoy the Schamber and Winters speech and debate tournaments.

Favorite place on campus?

JF: While I’ve had the privilege of returning to campus many times and witnessing its growth and the campus’s beauty and feel remain constant. I spent much of my undergraduate time in three places: WPC classrooms, the Pi Kappa Alpha house (the white building across from Burns Tower), and the ASuop offices in the McCaffrey Center.

PG: My mom attended Pacific, and I was a “campus kid,” so I have fond memories of being on our beautiful campus in my youth. My favorite place now is the library. It’s a quiet place, with fond memories of working on group projects with classmates who became lifelong friends.

What do you find most rewarding about your involvement with the alumni association?

JF: Most rewarding for me is giving back to Pacific in meaningful ways: interacting with current students, engaging various alumni across the world and providing feedback to the university.

PG: I enjoy mentoring and getting to know young alumni and students. I often mentor interns and students aspiring to work in the state capitol and legislature.

What most excites you about Pacific in the upcoming year?

JF: So many things! Our athletics programs have received a shot in the arm from our new athletic director, and while some may be rebuilding, it's exciting to see them re-establish the tradition of winning that we've enjoyed so much in the past. On top of that, Pacific has initiated numerous infrastructure projects that will modernize many facilities while enhancing each campus with new spaces for everyone to enjoy.

PG: I look forward to seeing the ongoing commitment to staff and student diversity. I’m also excited to see the impacts of modernized facilities and emerging advancements in our health, computer science, music and liberal arts programs. This is all a tremendous benefit to our students and community.

What would you say to other alumni who may be considering becoming involved?

JF: Re-engaging with Pacific has been a tremendously rewarding experience. I've had the opportunity to see the university transform over the past few years into a vibrant communitydriven, student-centered and forward-looking institution of higher learning (and as a donor and volunteer, I've contributed to that transformation). But, as we all know, much more can be done to move Pacific forward, and that starts with you.

PG: I received so much support from my professors and fellow classmates, that I feel it’s important to pay it forward. It’s so enjoyable to see the lasting impact we’re having on Pacific programs and on students who appreciate seeing us on campus. We’re modeling engagement for future alumni and are fostering a culture of giving back through philanthropy and volunteerism.

THE PACIFIC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

oversees activities, events and benefits for University of the Pacific alumni. Any student who attended Pacific for at least one year and left in good standing is considered a member of the Association and is eligible for its benefits. The Association is currently led by Pacific staff and a 30-member volunteer board of directors who work with regional and affinity volunteers and reunion committees.

There are many opportunities to be involved with the Pacific Alumni Association, including varying levels of leadership, from a 3-year commitment to the board of directors to opportunities within your school or college to be a guest speaker or serve on an advisory board. Alumni can also volunteer with regional and affinity clubs, on reunion committees or with the university as admissions representatives or mentors for students.

To find the opportunity that best fits you, email pacificalumni@pacific.edu or visit Pacific.edu/Alumni/ Connect.

2025 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS

The Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize outstanding professional achievement, public service and contributions to University of the Pacific. Recipients will be celebrated during the 65th Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony Saturday, March 1, 2025 in the DeRosa University Center on the Stockton Campus.

1. Ron Berberian ’65

Medallion of Excellence

Honors alumni who are faculty, staff or regents and have exhibited exceptional service to Pacific, their profession and the community.

Former Regent Berberian is deeply invested in Pacific and the Stockton community.

Berberian holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Pacific. As a Regent from 2012 to 2021, he participated in planning and launching the $300M Leading with Purpose campaign and helped Pacific successfully navigate the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A 34-year Pacific Loyal donor, Berberian has made significant philanthropic contributions to the university, including to Pacific Athletics, where he created and enhanced multiple golf scholarships and funded renovations of the Alex G. Spanos Center and Klein Family Field.

Appointed by then-president George W. Bush to the Kennedy Center Advisory Committee on the Arts, Berberian was instrumental in bringing the Kennedy Center Theatre for Young Audiences on Tour to Pacific beginning in 2001. His support helped more than 24,000 local school children enjoy free performances. He is chairman and president of BAC Community Bank and the owner of Bell Wine Cellars and Mercedes-Benz of Stockton. His community involvement also includes board service for the San Joaquin County YMCA and the Dameron Hospital Foundation.

Berberian is married to current Pacific Regent Dea (Spanos) Berberian and is the father of recent graduate Aram Berberian ’20. The Spanos Family received the Pacific Alumni Association’s Outstanding Family Award in 2002.

2. Halima Lucas ’13

Distinguished Young Alumni Award

Honors alumni of distinction who attended Pacific within the last 15 years.

Lucas is a storyteller with a passion for amplifying marginalized voices. She cultivated her love for filmmaking at Pacific before earning an MFA in film and TV production from the University of Southern California. Her master’s thesis film earned her the American Black Film Festival HBO Short Film Award in 2017.

Lucas was accepted into the prestigious Nickelodeon Writing Program before transitioning to Disney Television Animation, where she is a writer and co-executive producer for Marvel’s “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.” She

also developed two Disney Junior series and wrote an anti-racism short for Disney. Her work has received numerous accolades, including a Film Wanderer Award for best short film and official selections in the Sacramento International Film Festival and the San Francisco Black Film Festival.

Lucas earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Pacific and was a Community Involvement Program Scholar. She received the university’s Women of Distinction Award in 2013.

3. Regent Jie Du ’90, ’93

Distinguished Professional Service Award Honors alumni who have achieved notable career success.

Du is a seasoned pharmaceutical executive and serial entrepreneur who holds master’s and doctoral degrees from Pacific’s Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy.

After a successful corporate career in the pharmaceutical industry, she founded JDP Therapeutics, serving as its CEO and president for a decade while she created and developed Quzyttir®, an injectable drug to treat acute allergic reactions. She singlehandedly conceived the drug, completed all the research and development and fundraised to launch her company. In 2019 she sold JDP to TerSera Therapeutics to bring her drug to market. She now works for TerSera as a consultant.

During her early career, Du worked for Abbott, Merck and URL Pharma and co-founded Frontage Laboratories. In 2020, she donated $5 million to Pacific to establish the Jie Du Center for Innovation and Excellence for Drug Development, which provides pharmacy students vital experiential learning opportunities focusing on new drug development and pharmaceutical entrepreneurship.

Du has served on Pacific’s Board of Regents since 2022, and this year made a generous gift to name the Pacific Inn. She is based in Philadelphia, where she also sits on the board of Gwynedd Mercy University.

4. Calvester Stanley ’79

Distinguished Public Service Award

Honors alumni who have made exceptional professional contributions to society through civic or public service.

Stanley joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland as a junior staff member at age 14. His dis-

tinguished service to Oakland and Central Valley youth spanned the next five decades.

While attending Pacific, Stanley served as director of education for the Stockton Boys Club. After graduating, he directed the West Fresno Boys Club, then returned to Oakland to lead the Outreach Program at Emerson Elementary School before rejoining the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland in 1988. He became president and CEO in 1992, a role he held for the next 31 years.

Stanley also has served the nationwide organization in numerous ways, including on the national board of the Association of Boys & Girls Clubs Professionals. He is a recognized leader in community partnerships, donor cultivation and program development and his achievements have been honored by the City of Oakland, the Golden State Warriors and the 100 Club.

Stanley holds a bachelor’s degree in recreation from Pacific.

5. Robert Hanyak ’79

Distinguished University Service Award

Honors alumni whose contributions to, and efforts on behalf of, University of the Pacific are worthy of special recognition.

After graduating with a BA in communicative disorders, Hanyak taught audiology and speech-language pathology at Pacific for nearly 35 years. As an administrator in the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, he oversaw construction of the Chan Family Learning Center on the Stockton Campus. He was instrumental in developing the School of Health Sciences and retired as its interim director in 2020. He also is the founding chair of Pacific’s Doctor of Audiology program and treated patients in its Hearing and Balance Center for more than 15 years.

Hanyak and his wife Martha are 44-year Pacific Loyal donors who have endowed four scholarships and a travel fund supporting speech-language pathology and audiology students. They also have remembered Pacific in their estate plans.

Hanyak received a Faculty Mentor Award in 2017; was the 2018 Speech-Language Pathology Alumnus of the Year; and upon his retirement received the Order of Pacific, the university’s highest honor.

2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards nominations now open To submit a nomination, scan the QR code or visit Pacific.edu/Alumni/Awards.

“Pacific faculty are committed to our student-centric mission, and serving as a mentor to students is a key component of that mission.”

Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs

Four current and emeriti faculty members received the award during Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024. Bestowed annually by the Pacific Alumni Association, the award recognizes faculty who have mentored students and alumni and have provided outstanding professional guidance and personal support. Since the award’s creation in 2008, more than 50 faculty members have been honored.

“This prestigious award acknowledges the time and dedication faculty mentors devote to fostering the career development and academic success of their students,” said Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president for development and alumni relations. “In addition, alumni are able to thank and celebrate faculty who embody the spirit of mentoring.”

“Pacific faculty are committed to our student-centric mission, and serving as a mentor to students is a key component of that mission,” added Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The fact that alumni not only remember but can describe situations where a faculty member made a difference to them illustrates how valuable these relationships can be.”

Nominations for the 2025 Faculty Mentor Awards are now being accepted.

To submit a nomination, scan the QR code or visit Pacific.edu/FacultyMentorAwards.

1. William Topp

Professor Emeritus, Mathematics and Computer Science

Professor Emeritus William Topp’s influence at Pacific—his dedication, academic ingenuity and forward thinking—are still felt a decade after his retirement. A crucial driver of the computer science major in its infancy, he remained at Pacific for 44 years.

“Dr. Topp was an exemplary professor. He was a great communicator who tuned in to the needs of his students and developed us into leaders and professionals,” said Lori (Mahan) Wrath ’85.

“He also was instrumental in recommending students for summer internships and matching us with open positions. I am forever grateful that he took the time to stop and encourage me to pursue a summer position that led to the success of my career.”

During Pacific Gives 2024, Topp’s leadership galvanized the Emeriti Society and others to contribute more than $17,000 to the Student Emergency Fund.

He received the Order of Pacific, the university’s highest honor, in 2008.

2. Linda Webster

Professor Emerita, Educational and Counseling Psychology

Webster served Pacific for 26 years as a faculty member, department chair, dean of graduate studies and two-time interim dean.

She played an instrumental role in the merger of University College and the Gladys L. Benerd School of Education into Benerd College. Her redesign of the Benerd student space created a hub where students meet to collaborate on projects, share experiences and create community.

“Dr. Webster went to bat for me, always pointed me in the right direction and passionately wanted me to succeed. Her example of treating others with respect and not judging someone’s ability based on a test score is why I am always willing to give others a shot,” said Kevin Smith ’99.

“She was not just willing to help a few chosen students. She championed all her students,” Smith continued. “I know this because more than 20 years after I went through the program, my younger sister said the same things about her.”

Webster received the Order of Pacific in 2022.

3. Derek Isetti ’08

Associate Professor and Department Chair, Speech-Language Pathology

Isetti is honored to receive the Faculty Mentor Award in the footsteps of his own mentors, who inspired him to return to his alma mater in 2014. He follows their example of setting clear expectations for students while making it a point to be accessible to them.

“Derek’s approachable nature combined with his deep expertise in speech-language pathology allows him to offer insightful guidance specific to each student. He instills confidence, resilience and a passion for lifelong learning, making a lasting impact on those he guides,” said Robert Hanyak, professor emeritus of audiology and speech-language pathology.

A theater background gives Isetti confidence in the classroom and he views teaching as a collaborative process where he grows alongside his students. He is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree to increase his capacity to support students navigating difficult life circumstances.

Isetti also demonstrates his passion for supporting students by embracing Pacific Gives, the university’s annual day of giving. In each of the last two years, he personally recruited more than 100 donors to support scholarships for speech-language pathology students.

4. Marcia Hernandez

Professor and Department Chair, Sociology

Hernandez joined Pacific’s faculty in 2005. Her courses, she says, are built around the tenet that student-centered learning is “an avenue to student empowerment.”

Current and former students praise Hernandez for instilling critical thinking components into her courses and for demonstrating empathy and a commitment to long-lasting relationships.

“She was the first mentor I had and the first face that welcomed me as I transferred to Pacific,” nominator Amber Darby-Glaenzer ’12 said. “What a gratifying feeling it was to see a woman of color in higher education. This gave me a sense of belonging.

“She expanded my understanding of the world and gave me the courage to think critically. She also gave me a safe place to be honest and ask for help. I am forever grateful for her guidance, love and belief in me—every time I see her, I think, ‘Because of her, I can.’”

1. Alumni and faculty reconnect during Tiger Tasting, Pacific’s annual Craft Beer Fest. | 2. Delta Sigma Theta members and their families converge at Taste of Pacific. | 3. Regent Leticia Robles ‘89 at the starting line of the 5K Tiger Dash. | 4. Professor Emerita Louise Stark and Professor Emeritus Ken Hughes savor the atmosphere at Taste of Pacific. | 5. Guests celebrate at the Orange and Black Ball. | 6. Craig Wedegaertner ‘86, ‘87, Suzan (Hewitt) Wedegaertner ‘79, ‘93, Juliya Alvarez (parent) and Josuye Serrano ‘19 complete a project in the Fletcher Jones Foundation Makerspace. | 7. Delta Phi Chi brothers, Professor Emeritus Ralph Saroyan ‘64 and Ed Larimer ‘69, proudly sport their gear during Taste of Pacific. | 8. First Lady Jean Callahan shares the university’s vision for the Jie Du Inn at the former Tri-Delta sorority house. | 9. The Ky Family celebrates at the CIP 55th Reunion Gala. L-R: Ben Ky, Dean Ky ‘21, ‘24, Kuy Ky ‘92, Monie Ky ‘98, Meagan Ky ‘26, Alison Ky ‘28. | 10. Former athletes spanning decades joined a water polo reunion at the Chris Kjeldsen Pool. 1 2 3 4 5

SEEN AT THE SCENE

1. Alec Follmer ’14 attends the 6th Annual Stauffer Symposium, featuring research presentations by chemistry and biochemistry students. | 2. Heidi Gleason-Doyle ’78, Allan Hardcastle ’77, ’79, Josh Foster ’08 and Michael Krieger ’09 volunteer at a Pacific Welcome event on Stockton’s Miracle Mile. | 3. McGeorge alumni leaders at the school’s centennial gala in Sacramento. | 4. Dugoni Alumni Association President Amanda Rae Kronquist ’15, Grace Valentine, Bruce Valentine ’69, Karen Wong and President-Elect Wesley Wong ’98 enjoy the dental school’s annual Brucia Loyalty Reception. 1 2 3

4

5. As part of its centennial celebrations, the McGeorge School of Law recognized its inaugural Alumni of Honor cohort, including Pacific Regent the Honorable Connie Callahan ’75, the Honorable Morrision England Jr. ‘77, ‘83 and the Honorable Johnnie Rawlinson ‘79. Rawlinson also received a 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award. | 6. 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, L-R: Rick Fleming ‘69, Natalie Compton ‘13, Ralph Clark ‘80, ‘81, Alan Cook ‘77. | 7. Kathy (Lagorio) Janssen ‘68 and Dean Janssen at a press conference for new men’s head basketball coach Dave Smart. | 8. Raymond College alumni enjoy their annual reunion on the Stockton Campus. L-R: Wendi (Burnette) Maxwell ’71, Annie Nelson, Ross Quinn ’72, David Bennett ’72, Carter Brown ’71,’73, Jerry Pier ’70, Jan (Galt) Sherwood ’72,’75, Gail (Whitcome) Linstrom ’72, Regina (Riley) Peters ’70, Jackie (Uttke) Frey ’71. | 9. Anthony Orendain ‘20, Keenan Whyte ‘16, Greg “Cricket” Odell ‘83 and Esteban De La Torre ‘17 compete in Pacific Athletics’ men’s soccer alumni game. 5 6 7 8 9

IN MEMORIAM

ALICE HIRATA

Longtime Tiger Booster

Though Alice Hirata did not attend University of the Pacific, she loved the Tigers as her own.

Hirata was a constant, joyful presence in the Pacific community. She was a fixture at athletic events, especially basketball and volleyball games, and traveled with the teams to many out-of-town contests. Over the years she forged deep connections with players, coaches and families.

With her husband of 62 years, Henry Hirata ’64, she endowed two scholarships for student-athletes and supported several Stockton Campus building projects, includ-

ing the John T. Chambers Technology Center, the Fletcher Jones Foundation Makerspace and the forthcoming Student-Athlete and Sports Medicine Center.

She died Feb. 19 at her Stockton home at age 84.

President Christopher Callahan and his wife, Jean, became close with Alice while attending basketball and volleyball games. The president wrote about Alice after hearing the news of her death.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Alice Hirata, a dear friend and amazing supporter of University of the Pacific,” the president wrote on Facebook. “Spending time with Alice and Henry at a Pacific Athletics event always brightened my day.

“Alice was one of the sweetest and most caring people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Jean and I and the entire Pacific family are sending our thoughts, prayers and love to Alice’s devoted husband and best friend of more than 60 years, Henry Hirata ’64, and the entire Hirata family.”

ROY WHITEKER

Emeritus Dean and Professor

Roy Whiteker was as comfortable in conference rooms as he was in chemistry labs, which colleagues say made him an ideal dean and professor. He filled both roles with caring expertise during his almost 40 years at Pacific. Whiteker died Feb. 14 at age 96.

Whiteker served as dean of College of the Pacific from 1976, when he joined the university, to 1989. He then moved into the classroom and taught until his retirement in 2014.

Prior to joining Pacific, he worked for the Fulbright Program as director of the Council for International Exchange of Scholars in Washington, D.C.

Gene Pearson, professor emeritus of geology, worked for several years in the late 1970s as an assistant dean under Whiteker, whom he described as “candid and straight-forward.” He added that Whiteker was a very good mentor.

“He took a chance on a junior faculty member when I didn’t truly have the needed experience,” Pearson said. “There always was a layer of kindness in the way he did things.”

Whiteker received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from UCLA and his master’s and PhD in chemistry from Caltech.

He is survived by wife Jean of 63 years, son Scott and grandchildren Samantha, 16, and Joshua, 13.

REV. GARY PUTNAM

Former University Chaplain

The Rev. Gary Putnam, who served as the first chaplain at Pacific, died June 23 at age 84.

Putnam was chaplain at Pacific from 1983 until 1990 when he became senior pastor at Central United Methodist Church, which has strong ties to Pacific.

In a 2019 interview with Pacific, Putnam recalled being “dazzled” by the beauty of the university and knew he wanted the job after walking into historic Morris Chapel.

“He had a way of always being personal but professional, vulnerable but strong, present but not overbearing, quiet but warm, wise but folksy,” said Director of Religious and Spiritual Life Kim Montenegro of her former pastor and long-time mentor. “Gary has taught so many people lessons in ways that will stick with them for a lifetime.”

He went on to earn a graduate degree from Garrett Theological Seminary/Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois,

and his Doctor of Ministry degree at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California.

Putnam is survived by his wife Gillian Murphy, a retired dean at San Joaquin Delta College, daughters Beth Bicknell and Margaret Munk Hansen and numerous grandchildren and other family members.

ALAN BUDENZ Professor Emeritus

Alan Budenz, professor emeritus at University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, died March 18 after a short illness. He was 73.

Budenz died three weeks after he was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic melanoma. He retired from the dental school in 2023, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and impacting thousands of lives as a teacher, mentor and friend.

Budenz was honored with many prestigious awards, including twice receiving the Lucien Szymd Memorial Award (a high honor chosen by students), the Dugoni School’s Distinguished Faculty Award and Pacific’s Distinguished Faculty Award, the highest faculty honor across the entire university.

A 1982 graduate of the University of California, San Francisco, Budenz began teaching one day a week at the Dugoni School in 1984. He maintained a private practice in the Marina District of San Francisco until 1992.

CHARLES KELSO

Professor

Professor Charles D. Kelso, who taught at the McGeorge School of Law for 40 years, died Jan. 31, 2024, at age 95.

Affectionately known as “Papa Kelso” to students, he joined the faculty in 1978 and profoundly impacted the McGeorge community through decades of dedicated service before his retirement in 2017.

Kelso taught courses on constitutional law, the First Amendment and contracts.

Born in 1928 in Indiana, Kelso earned undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Chicago. After graduating from law school, he served as a law clerk to Justice Sherman Minton of the Supreme Court of the United States.

By age 22, he began teaching at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Indianapolis, earning recognition as the youngest law professor in the nation at that time.

Kelso also earned Master of Laws and Doctor of Juridical Science degrees from Columbia University and a Doctor of Laws degree from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.

“Professor Kelso was so beloved. Since I shared the news of his passing, I have received dozens of emails from alumni telling stories of his kindness, his brilliance, his care for students and his excellence as a teacher,” said McGeorge Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz.

LARRY WALKER Professor

Larry Walker, a gifted artist and curator who worked diligently to support diversity during his two decades on the faculty at Pacific, died Christmas Day 2023 at age 88.

Walker was a professor and chair of the Department of Art, where he served from 1964 to 1983 before moving to Georgia.

Walker helped organize Pacific’s Black Caucus and was supportive of the Black Student Union.

“What strikes me about his work as a young artist and one of the first Black professors at Pacific is the continuity of his preoccupation with humanity,” said Lisa Cooperman, university curator. “The paintings he made in the early 1960s to his contemporary work continue to encompass themes of struggle even in peaceful settings.”

Walker donated some of his work to Pacific’s permanent art collection. One painting was part of a show called “Probe” on the Sacramento Campus.

He later taught at Georgia State University until his retirement in 2000.

Walker is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gwen, and their three children: Dana, Larry Jr. and Kara, herself an internationally known painter.

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