Pacific Magazine 2022

PACIFIC

BOLD FUTURE

PACIFIC SHAPES CONTEMPORARY LIVING, LEARNING

PACIFIC TAKES LEADING ROLE IN HEALTH CARE | ALUMNI VINTNERS CREATE THE PERFECT POUR CELEBRATING HISTORIC FUNDRAISING SUCCESS

CONTENTS

MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD CHAIR

JOURNEY OF TODAY’S STUDENT

From classroom to career-ready, Pacific is creating spaces and places for the way students live and learn.

HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME

High school students try out new talents—and living away from home.

COMMUNITY IN ACTION

Students serving unhoused and immigrant populations see impact of their involvement.

NEW LEADERS

Pacific taps top-tier leaders for executive roles.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

From rewriting a professional oath to performing cultural rituals, Pacific celebrates the richness of its communities.

HEALTH CARE POWERHOUSE

04 60 06 20 24 30 38 46

Pacific’s new School of Health Sciences is the latest addition to a strong portfolio of programs.

76 88 98 108 122

OUR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Pacific’s nine schools and colleges are creating contemporary programs and services to meet students’ learning styles.

ALUMNI VINTNERS BEAR FRUITFUL VINES

Despite some of the most difficult environmental challenges, these alumni are harvesting prizewinning wines.

PEOPLE OF PACIFIC

A passion for learning and leadership is the common thread among this group of inspirational students, faculty and staff.

ATHLETICS

Academic and athletically talented students and alumni prove their prowess as competitors and colleagues.

LEADING WITH PURPOSE

The magnanimous generosity of donors and supporters catapulted Pacific to a first-ever fundraising goal that will benefit students for decades to come.

ALUMNI NOTES

Alumni Association updates and photos from Homecoming and Family Weekend and alumni receptions around the country.

About the Cover

University of the Pacific welcomed its newest students with a robust schedule of activities, programs and events during the fall Week of Welcome. One of the highlights was the class photo where students came together and assembled in the shape of the iconic Pacific “P”—their first step as Pacificans.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

What a difference a year makes.

Enrollment is up past pre-pandemic levels—with nearly 6,300 undergraduate, graduate and professional school students across all three campuses. New degree programs are blossoming. Older buildings are undergoing renovations. Young professors are joining gifted master teachers. Philanthropy is at near-record levels. And retention of new students is at the highest point in nearly a decade.

But you don’t need to see the facts and figures to know that University of the Pacific is on track for our 10-year goal of becoming the best student-centric comprehensive university in the nation. You only need to visit one of our campuses to feel the energy and palpable forward trajectory of California’s first and oldest university.

On the Stockton Campus, a revitalized Week of Welcome marked a thunderous start to the new semester, and the pace hasn’t slowed with new and engaging Student Life and ASuop activities blending with an array of world-class concerts from the Conservatory of Music and electrifying athletic contests featuring our 17 NCAA Division I teams. Some 1,900 students are living on campus, the most in years.

On the San Francisco Campus, visitors need go no further than the fifth floor of our downtown state-of-the-art building to watch scores of future dentists honing their skills in the 170 simu-

lation stations at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, while on the floors below aspiring audiologists and dentists work in real-life clinics, serving the public while honing their skills—a hallmark of a Pacific education.

On the Sacramento Campus, the McGeorge School of Law is setting records in bar passage rates and winning mock trial and moot court competitions while the School of Health Sciences—our newest college at just two years old—is on a path to become the university’s second-largest school within the next few years, creating new professionals in high-demand health care fields such as nursing, physician assistant, clinical nutrition, social work and occupational therapy.

New leaders are fast joining Pacific veterans, people such as Lee Skinner, a Tulane University dean who becomes the new dean of College of the Pacific; Charles Moses, who takes over as dean of the Eberhardt School of Business after holding that post at University of San Francisco; and James Walsh, the No. 2 business executive at Tufts University who is our chief financial officer.

We continue to make advances in diversity, equity and inclusion, with a new Center for Identity and Inclusion. And we’re on the cusp of reaching one of our key strategic goals: winning federal Hispanic Serving Institution designation.

Our friends, alumni and supporters have been equally energized. We hosted more than 2,500 for Homecoming and Family

Weekend in October. The past year also saw the successful completion of our historic $300 million Leading with Purpose campaign, fueled by last year’s $38 million raised—the third-best year in our history.

Serving our communities—a cornerstone of Pacific—expanded with the growth of the College Corps program to nearly 100 students annually and a new partnership with our neighbors on the Miracle Mile, an effort led by the First Lady.

A pilot program to create a residential college experience for high school students—the Pacific Summer High School Institute—exceeded all expectations with more than 300 students living and learning on the Stockton Campus for two weeks, including the children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of Pacific alumni. Under the leadership of Professor Balint Sztaray and Vice President Maria Blandizzi, we expect the program to grow exponentially this summer.

Read about these great advances and much more in this latest edition of Pacific Magazine, a magnificent publication created by our senior communications officer, Marge Grey, art director Nico Barredo, and the talented Strategic Communications team. Enjoy.

And Go Tigers!

Christopher Callahan is the 26th president of University of the Pacific.

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF REGENTS CHAIR

Dear Pacificans,

For 171 years, Pacific’s Board of Regents has served as the ultimate fiduciary and steward of California’s first and oldest university. The board protects the traditions and the mission of our alma mater, and lends expertise, intellect and time to ensure we think strategically about Pacific’s future. It is this twining of tradition and transformation that unleashes the promise of Pacific. The board’s focus is on how we preserve and build upon the best aspects of this university while simultaneously innovating so that we realize our potential. How might we as regents support the boldness required to take chances, learn from mistakes, celebrate our successes and pioneer as Pacific has many times before?

For the past eight-and-a-half years, twoand-a-half as chair, I have been privileged to serve alongside a hard-working, passionate group of regents who are dedicated to this institution, its mission and its future. Regents are volunteers, giving scores of hours to Pacific. Most serve nine years on the board before their terms expire. And 100% of our regents make financial contributions to Pacific annually.

A lot of the work of the board goes largely unnoticed by our university community. When I arrived as a student in 1984 I did not know what a regent was. Now I appreciate just how much our regents contribute to ensure Pacific will reach its 10-year goal to be the best student-centric, comprehensive university in the country.

It will take our entire Pacific community to advance the university toward that audacious goal and we are rising to the challenge:

• Our inspiring students and faculty live out our mission every day.

• Our staff and alumni exemplify what it means to truly support Pacific, to make it stronger.

• Our friends and neighbors advocate for our success.

• Our president brings vision, energy, drive and focus to everything Pacific undertakes.

• And our regents commit to the traditions that have made Pacific special, while also making way for us to innovate.

I believe this decade is Pacific’s decade. We have a unique combination of attributes that sets us up for a bright future if we collectively commit to be bold and aim to reach our potential. I see in the faces of my fellow regents a drive to see Pacific achieve that goal. We are passionate about Pacific. And we welcome the opportunity to work with each of you as we take Pacific to realize its vision.

Norman Allen ’88, ’94

“It is this twining of tradition and transformation that unleashes the promise of Pacific. The board’s focus is on how we preserve and build upon the best aspects of this university while simultaneously innovating so that we realize our potential.”

NORMAN ALLEN ‘88, ‘94 Chair, Board of Regents

Alayna Khan ’23 takes part in Holi, the Festival of Color in the Hindu faith, on the DeRosa University Center Lawn.

JOURNEY OFTODAY’S STUDENT

Academic life. Work life. Social life. Family life. Today’s students navigate multiple roles and demands while they face the challenges of having been apart and online for two years. Tuning into their needs, Pacific is helping students build and re-build relationships by bolstering services and creating spaces where they can learn, live and explore. From a new center for cultural collaborations to comfortable living communities, Pacific is making sure students succeed on their own terms.

LIVING + DINING

CAMPUS LIVING AND DINING GIVES STUDENTS MYRIAD OPTIONS

For many students, the excitement of starting college is tempered by housing uncertainties, from overflowing dormitories to spiraling offcampus rents.

Those are not issues at Pacific, where the university’s approach is to streamline the process from Day 1.

The university has created a fouryear campus housing guarantee for new undergraduates. First-year

students who enrolled in the fall on the Stockton Campus were guaranteed campus housing for all four years. New transfer students are guaranteed housing for up to three years, depending on when they start.

“We are fortunate at Pacific to have both enough housing for all of our undergraduates as well as a wide variety of housing options with apartments, traditional residence halls and Greek houses,” Vice President for Student Life Maria Blandizzi said.

On-campus dormitory living

increased this school year in Grace Covell Hall, which is at full occupancy after peaking at 70% the previous year.

There is another significant reason the four-year guarantee is important, according to President Christopher Callahan:

“Research shows that students who live on campus perform better academically, are more engaged in co-curricular activities and graduate at higher rates. We require our new undergraduates to live on campus for their first two years, but we think it is a great benefit for third- and fourth-year students, too.”

The president and First Lady Jean Callahan are furthering their commitment to Pacific students with a $200,000 personal gift to create endowed scholarships for undergraduate students living on campus. The endowment will be doubled by the Powell Fund, a gift matching program at Pacific, bringing the total amount to $400,000.

This year, an additional 199 students are living on campus (1,900, up from 1,701).

The energy on campus has been palpable and has allowed students to rally back from the uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Reese Romero ’23, one of the resident assistant leaders.

“The increased occupancy has created more engagement,” he

PACIFIC STUDENTS SHARE THEIR FAVORITES:

BEN WONG ’25 Pasta. I like the sauce with the two red, one white ratio.

MACKENZIE WILLIAMS ’24 My favorite thing to eat on campus is a sandwich – toasted sourdough with mayo, tomatoes, ham, cheddar cheese, lettuce and onion.

MIRIAM KHAN ’26

My favorite is the sushi.

VICTORIA HERRERA ’26

My favorites are the shrimp and scallops.

ERIC OROSCO ’18, ‘23

Breakfast burrito, with tater tots, beans, eggs, bacon and a splash of salsa verde (go red if you feel spicy). They will make your tastebuds sing the Tiger Fight Song.

said. “Grace Covell Hall is one of the buildings I oversee. Last year it was about 70% full and this year there is not an empty bed. I have talked to other RAs and they say there is a real buzz in their dorms.”

Josh O’Connor, executive director for student life, cites several studies about the educational benefits of living on campus, including research published in 2018 by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. That study found engagement with programming, faculty and staff, and access to diverse peers makes a positive difference in student learning.

Fourth-year business student Benjamin Guerrero ’23 concurs.

“Pacific was there when I needed help early in my college experience. I moved into my first dorm (Casa Jackson) and was timid. But my confidence grew, and I later joined a fraternity (Beta Theta Pi). The positive impact of being able to socialize and study with peers on campus cannot be underestimated.”

O’Connor said the university is creating identity-based living communities to serve requests and needs from various sectors of the student body.

“We have an example of that now with a gender-inclusive floor in Farley Hall,” O’Connor said. “We also are looking at first-generation communities and

even an e-sports and technology community, among others.”

Pacific’s commitment to the residential experience extends beyond living to its dining services. Food-service provider and long-time partner Bon Appetit has a strong farm-to-fork initiative, and the university has been recognized as an international leader in sustainable food and dining practices, ranking in the Top 10 in the world the past two years.

Sia Mohsenzadegan, food-service director for Bon Appetit at Pacific, said 90% of produce served at the university comes from farms within 150 miles of the Stockton Campus. Pacific also grows its own produce on campus at the Ted and Chris Robb Garden.

The quality food and commitment to sustainability are part of Pacific’s values and appeal to students and prospective students.

“It’s extremely important,” said second-year student Kenneth Caslib ’25. “I believe that we are really strong with sustainability” at Pacific.

Food selections are rich and varied, ranging from Mexican food to Asian dishes to two daily soups, a bountiful salad bar and vegan options. The DeRosa University Center has a popular upstairs grill (The Lair) and a sushi bar.

The Starbucks in the main library is bustling, as is the Grove, a convenient grocery store with take-out dining options in McCaffrey Center.

A newly refurbished food truck—with a vibrant exterior in orange and bright pops of color—serves breakfast and lunch daily on the south campus and is parked at athletic events and other campus gatherings.

Photo: Newly refurbished Pacific Food Truck designed by Strategic Communications Senior Designer, Mishi Chua.

Alice Truong ’22 and other students participate in a cultural event sponsored by the Vietnamese Student Association.

CULTURE + IDENTITY

IT WAS A SIMPLE YET MEANINGFUL GESTURE.

During planning for the popular fall Pacific Block Party, student governing group Associated Students of University of the Pacific put a poll on Instagram.

The message: “Send us your song requests for the Block Party.”

“There was a great reaction. Students enjoyed being included, and they responded,” said Guiying (Angel) Zhong ’23, ASuop president. “You need to take every opportunity to include people in processes. That will help you build diverse programs that are inclusive.”

Pacific staff members who create cultural and identity programming agree.

Randall Ogans, who co-chairs the university’s Black History Month planning committee, works with students to select the February lineup of speakers and events.

“It is a reflection of many months of hard work and our contribution to moving the university’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives forward,” said Ogans, a developer in Pacific Technology.

Mario Enriquez ’10, director of the new Center for Identity and Inclusion, added: “The pandemic taught us to rethink how we engage with each other. Varied events give people the chance to learn from each other and build a strong, vibrant, diverse community. They also create a sense of pride for students who can see themselves and their cultures being celebrated while also learning about others.”

Enriquez said moving all the affinity support groups to the McCaffrey Center also will foster collaboration on cultural events in such areas as identity development, coalition-building, social justice and civic engagement.

“The closeness will create opportunities,” he said.

In the past year, ASuop also has increased its social media presence and held a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion film festival to better connect with students.

“We put together a catalogue of films that represent various voices and also highlight groups for heritage months,” said Zhong.

Shahzada Ayan Kamran ’25 takes part in Holi, the Festival of Color in the Hindu faith, on the DeRosa University Center Lawn.

Julianna Meneses ’25 performs intricate dances during a Filipino Cultural Night celebration.

RESEARCH +

an associate professor of biological sciences whose own research examines interactions among environmental factors from insects to snakes to mammals.

“There’s doing the work, and then there is really understanding it enough to communicate your work. When they try to synthesize it in a way to explain it to others, it solidifies the learning,” Fox stated at the 2022 Pacific Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference.

“Students are able to take what they have learned in the classroom and expand their knowledge base through research,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Maria Pallavicini. “Research in turn can introduce students and faculty to new ideas and possibilities.”

Undergraduate research is enhanced by the William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center, which is open to unique collaborations.

One example is how students and professors from the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco teamed with staff from The Cube, the innovation and technology center at the Stockton Campus library. They are creating groundbreaking virtual reality simulations that could have applications in the future of dental education.

Students and faculty in the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy conducted research which could dramatically improve the well-being of patients who use opioids for pain relief by reducing debilitating side effects.

Faculty members Zachary Stahlschmidt and Lydia Fox see wide-eyed discovery in many students when they apply classroom learning to undergraduate research—often resulting in a desire to learn and probe further, sometimes to amazing findings or even a potential cure.

Stahlschmidt recently took the baton from Fox as director of undergraduate research. They both praise the significant depth of learning that is happening through Pacific student research in the physical sciences, humanities, professional schools and many other areas.

“Students come into research with different goals and ideas of what the experience will be. This is different than a course that you take. It can be very individualized. You really want to find the best fit so you can maximize what you get out of the research experience,” said Stahlschmidt,

“The treatment can reduce constipation significantly but, contrary to currently available drugs, maintain the full analgesic effect of the opioids,” said Dengpan Liang ’23, a graduate student in the Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences program. “This is a huge improvement to the way we treat these patients.”

MARIA PALLAVICINI Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry Associate Professor Jesse Manton (left) and Dean of the William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center Niraj Chaudhary discuss a collaboration between the dental school and The Cube, an innovation and technology center at the Stockton Campus library.

STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO TAKE WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM AND EXPAND THEIR KNOWLEDGE BASE THROUGH RESEARCH.

DISCOVERY

Undergraduate research often is made possible by generous donors such as those to the John Stauffer Undergraduate Summer Research Endowment in Chemistry and Biochemistry (see related story on page 64). After donor commitments reached $1 million, a matching grant raised the trust’s endowment to $2 million to fund Pacific student research in perpetuity.

Andrew Chiang ‘22, a 2022 grant recipient, used his stipend to research yeast and its enzymes that could lead to the development of inhibitors that target cancer cells.

“This summer had immeasurable personal and professional impact,” Chiang said. “Because I was able to do research, I am now more prepared for my future.”

The library’s Digital Humanities Summer Fellowship also challenged students to use technology to tell stories. Two teams created projects on the topic of JapaneseAmerican incarceration.

University Curator Lisa Cooperman led a team that explored the experiences of Japanese-American students

from Pacific and their legacies through a smartphone app. Assistant Professor of Practice Joshua Salyers, meanwhile, worked with a team to create a video game reconstruction of the historic Japanese District of Walnut Grove, north of Stockton.

Molly Westlake ’22 conducted research on the history of Black opera, which included her watching the highly respected “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” being performed at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York for the first time in its 141-year history.

Research also can result in the thrill of competition. Almost 40 members of Pacific’s American Society of Mechanical Engineers built a Formula One car from the ground up for a competition. During absences caused by campus closures due to COVID-19, students communicated using Discord, an online communications platform popular in the gaming community. In May, they competed in Michigan against other universities and had a “very promising showing,” according to their club advisor.

Munachimso Aghasili ’24, a chemistry student, takes part in research through the John Stauffer Undergraduate Summer Research Endowment in Chemistry and Biochemistry.

SPACES

From the sprawling 175 acres of the Stockton Campus to compact urban settings in Sacramento and San Francisco, Pacific develops space focusing on one essential question: does it positively impact students?

From smaller enhancements —comfortable and colorful furniture in the DeRosa University Center—to the creation of “third places” or gathering spots, each of Pacific’s three campuses have designed areas that help students build community and belonging.

Pacific’s recently redesigned William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center was reimagined for how students live and learn. The library now has numerous individual and group meeting rooms and communal spaces, as well as a multi-faith meditation and prayer area. The addition of a Starbucks in the library, located in the heart of campus, provides a central gathering space and social hub that students frequent throughout the day.

The new Center for Identity and Inclusion on the Stockton Campus focuses on increasing collaboration among Pacific’s five cultural affinity groups by co-locating them in a central space to help students access resources and services: El Centro (formerly LatinX); Native American Student Services; Black Student Services; Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi Student Services and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center (formerly

Pride Resource Center). It also includes a lactation lounge.

A new one-stop shop on the main floor of Knoles Hall provides a place where current and prospective students and families can access services such as financial aid, course registration, billing, admission and more in a central location.

“A lot of potential students come to learn more about applying. It is easy for them to come here and talk to admission, then talk to financial aid,” said Emily McGann ’23, who is part of a student Tiger Team that helps staff the center.

President Christopher Callahan said the creation of a “flow” of campus services is essential to better serve potential and current students and families.

“When you arrive on campus, the first thing you do is walk into Burns Tower, where we have created a welcome center,” Callahan said. “Then you walk across Knoles Lawn to our one-stop shop. And then it’s on to McCaffrey Center where our affinity groups are based.”

The shift of Human Resources offices across Pacific Avenue to McConchie Hall enabled the School of Engineering and Computer Science to use the Human Resources facility to create a new student center, the president said (see related story on page 72).

“This is a great addition for the school,” Callahan said. “And it was done with students in mind.”

The Sacramento Campus has similar student-centric spaces with the McGeorge School of Law’s Center for Inclusion and Diversity, which focuses on dropin support and programming. Stockton and Sacramento both have spaces dedicated to serving the needs of students who are military veterans.

The School of Health Sciences has plans to expand lounges and student areas with the new facilities that will be part of the Pacific Dental Services Health Care Collaborative (see related story on page 60).

The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco was developed with students at the center of the design. The highrise building in the South of Market area features individual and group study rooms, a meditation room and a student lounge with foosball and ping-pong tables. The Kaye Dugoni Family Room includes a piano, and musically inclined dental students are known to play during lunch and in the evening.

In Stockton, the large expanse of lawn in front of the DeRosa University Center is accentuated with activities—a nearly life-size chess board, a bocce court, new outdoor chairs and frequent games such as volleyball and badminton. Two sets of orange hammocks on the DeRosa Lawn also have become popular hang-outs for students.

“There are two places on campus where I like to visit,” business student Benjamin Guerrero ‘23 said. “I often go to our

rock-climbing wall at the (Baun) fitness center. You climb, live in the moment, and try not to fall. You can break away from the matters of everyday life. For more solitude, I like to visit Morris Chapel. It is quiet and I find the environment ideal for self-growth.”

Above: Students on the San Francisco Campus can relax or take a break in the student lounge.

+PLACES

Left: McGeorge School of Law’s Center for Inclusion and Diversity, which focuses on dropin support and programming.

Right: The William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center’s digital wall enhances presentations by students, faculty and staff.

Students from University of the Pacific’s Muslim Student Association take part in the Pacific Friday celebration to kick off the 2022-23 school year.

Ozi Okonkwo, a fourth-year student-athlete, smiled as she surveyed the scene on the lawn outside the DeRosa University Center.

Hundreds of students, faculty and staff—most wearing Pacific orange and black—were playing games, learning about clubs and organizations, gathering information and picking up swag as they visited the booths of more than 50 different departments and interest areas during an elevated Pacific Friday.

“All the university events are bigger and better this year,” Okonkwo, a track and field athlete, said during the Week of Welcome festivities. “You can feel the togetherness.”

Those words echo the feelings of Pacific President Christopher Callahan, who sees engagement at Pacific’s three campuses as a vital part of Pacific students’ experience. He created Pacific Friday to revive the traditional Spirit Friday. Students, employees, alumni and friends are urged to wear the university’s colors in celebration of being Pacificans.

There are many other opportunities for engagement, including on-campus movies, intramural sports, rock climbing at Baun Fitness Center and meditation. The DeRosa University Center lawn is home to various activities and job fairs.

Pacific Friday took flight and continues to gain momentum as one of the many offerings pointed toward creating a campus that is welcoming and that encourages students to participate in campus life.

“I have loved every single thing,”

said first-year student Driscida Rosas ‘26 about the offerings during Pacific’s Week of Welcome. “One of the best parts is meeting new people. I really want to be engaged and, most of all, leave something positive here for Pacific to remember.”

Engagement also happens when students immerse themselves in local community offerings. Almost 100 student College Corps fellows are working with local nonprofit agencies as part of an experiential learning and public service program (see story on page 24). Pacific is one of only four private schools participating in the program, which combines community service with learning while helping students earn up to $10,000 annually to help pay for college.

Business student Benjamin Guerrero ‘23, who graduates in May, has strong feelings about student engagement.

“Without a strong level of engagement, innovation and creativity can die. I genuinely believe that,” he said.

“It is even more important coming off the pandemic that caused such a dramatic impact on our education and our lives. Every student’s journey was impacted. But from where I stand, we not only recovered but have moved ahead and are prospering.”

With leadership from First Lady Jean Callahan, the university has strengthened its association with the Miracle Mile Improvement District offering retailers, restaurants and services just south of campus (see story on page 28). She helped negotiate discounts for

Pacific students and employees and planned events attended by community members and Pacificans.

Pacific also drew thousands of children and their families for Pacific Trick or Treat, an annual event on the Stockton Campus. Students, staff and faculty offered visitors— from toddlers to teens—fun games and activities along with the traditional candy haul.

Alumna, professor and Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi ’89 calls the growth of campus engagement in Stockton, San Francisco and Sacramento “exponential.”

“I have seen two openings of the academic year now, and the difference has been night and day,” Lomax-Ghirarduzzi said. “There is a vibrancy on campus. Looking ahead, engagement does not end with graduation. There are great opportunities for students to create lasting bonds in their careers and lives by continuing to stay connected with Pacific.”

COMMUNITY +CONNECTION

Pacific students shop and dine on the Miracle Mile just south of campus on Pacific Avenue. Many merchants give Pacificans discounts.

AnUnforgettable Summer

Ⓜore than 320 high schoolers from across California and as far away as Canada lived and learned on the picturesque grounds for a two-week pre-college program.

The Pacific Summer High School Institute immersed students in hands-on courses during the day and entertainment and recreational activities in the evening.

Students from Lodi Unified School District had the distinct opportunity of taking part in the program at no cost. The district covered fees for participating students using COVID relief money. Students could choose from one of 13 programs: coding, cancer research, debate, drug development, entrepreneurship, eSports, filmmaking, innovation, music sound and recording,

sports analytics, stock investment, video game design and women’s leadership.

Two sessions will be offered in 2023: June 5 to 17 and June 20 to July 1. New programs will include courses offered through Pacific’s nationally renowned Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and McGeorge School of Law and a variety of sports camps, including water polo, golf and soccer.

Over the summer, students on the Stockton Campus learned how to invest in stocks, design video games and perform cancer research—and they’re not even in college yet.

As a senior, this is crucial. This is the time I need to start looking at what classes I want to take, so this was really helpful and fun to see what my next couple of years are going to look like in college.

Bradley Randall

It was such an amazing experience because I got to meet so many people and experience what it's like being in dorms and in class. I loved engaging with everybody.

Miya Takahashi Middle College High School

Lodi Unified School District

Scan the code to register

For more information about the program, visit: Pacific.edu/PreCollegeSummer

SUMMER AID

Thanks to Regent Leticia Robles ‘89, ten scholarships were made available for local Stockton high school students to attend the Summer High School Institute.

“I was able to partner with Pacific and make a difference for these outstanding young people and ensure access for underserved students to be exposed to college,” Robles said. “Pre-college summer programs can help show students a future where they can succeed and grow.”

Robles is president of Pacific Homecare Services, her Stocktonbased agency that provides quality home care to the elderly and disabled. Driven by her passion for helping others, Robles leads strategy for Pacific Homecare, driving revenue, profitability and growth.

A graduate of University of the Pacific, Robles holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the Eberhardt School of Business. She is active in the Stockton community and has served on a variety of boards, including The Haggin Museum and the Children’s Home of Stockton.

Leticia Robles ‘89 Regent

College Corps Program Multiplies Students’ Impact

Nearly 100 Pacific students had a different kind of fall semester this year.

They worked for 20 nonprofits or agencies in K-12 education, climate change, community health and food insecurity in the state’s #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program.

The program aims to create debt-free pathways to college while engaging students in solving problems in their communities. Students receive $10,000 to defray their expenses when they complete a year of service.

First-year music composition student Miranda Duarte was concentrating on acclimating to college, but the lure of serving the community and the stipend changed everything.

“At first my interest in College Corps was because of the financial aid component. But as I learned more about the program, I became excited to serve in Stockton,” Duarte said.

Pacific is one of only four private universities selected to participate in the program and will receive $3.2 million from the state over the next two years.

Guiying (Angel) Zhong `23, the current president of Associated Students of University of the Pacific, participated in the pilot Civic Action Fellowship program—a predecessor to the new program—during the 2021-22 school year. Zhong, who worked with nonprofit Little Manila Rising, called it a “transformative” learning opportunity.

“Prior to the fellowship, I had been doing an independent research project on decolonizing trauma through art that meant a lot to

me personally,” Zhong said. “While serving at Little Manila Rising, I was able to put this primarily academic project into meaningful practice by organizing healing arts-focused community-building events, facilitating culturally-informed mental health awareness campaigns and promoting vital mental health resources.”

Current fellows are eagerly picking up the mantle--the program has grown from a pilot of 10 to almost 100 Pacific students in three years.

“I grew up around a lot of poverty and I know there are people in need. We can be part of the solution,” said fellow RJ Rossi ’24, a third-year student from Ceres in the Central Valley majoring in political science. “The size of our College Corps group and the commitment I have seen from those enrolled puts us in a good position to make a difference.”

The community service element makes the program unique, according to local and state officials.

“Every one of you chose to attend Pacific to pursue your educational goals because you want to change your life. You are planning to not only change your life, but to impact the lives of those you will serve,” Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln said.

“Pacific has a spirit and history of service that we recognize and appreciate,” added Josh Fryday, chief service officer for California.

Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln (center) attending the 2022 College Corps Induction held at Pacific.

“Every one of you chose to attend Pacific to pursue your educational goals because you want to change your life. You are planning to not only change your life, but to impact the lives of those you will serve.”

KEVIN LINCOLN Mayor of Stockton, CA

“True Heroes Work in the Clinic”

Immigration Law Clinic provides invaluable services to Afghan refugees

After the fall of Afghanistan in August 2021, a surge of humanitarian parole applications were filed for people desperate to come to the United States. Only a small percentage have been approved.

One of the few successful cases was prepared by Alyssa Eckels ’22, a student attorney in McGeorge School of Law’s Immigration Law Clinic during the 2021–22 academic year. The clinic is one of seven at McGeorge in which students gain experience working on actual cases.

With her client still in Afghanistan, Eckels worked closely with his American fiancé.

“There was a big fear aspect,” said Eckels, whose client was in hiding from the Taliban. “He would send emails when he could with photos and identification cards to show his connections with the United States and why he might be a target.”

The case—which was approved over the summer—was “a reminder of why I went to law school,” said Eckels, who returned to the clinic in the fall as a graduate fellow.

Seven other students worked alongside Eckels in the clinic, including Sofia Schersei ’22, who has family in Afghanistan.

“A lot of people were coming not knowing what to do or where to go,” she said. After seeing the immense need for legal services, Schersei started putting in nearly 40 hours a week at the clinic while also going to school. Many other students also devoted extra time.

“People underestimate how much goes on in the clinic,” Schersei said. “True heroes live and work in the clinic.”

Since her primary client was already in the U.S., Schersei helped with legal issues such as obtaining a work permit—a critical step to getting him resettled.

“Because he had a diplomacy visa, he couldn’t work in the U.S. and he was not getting the benefits of the $1,200 other refugees were getting for housing. He was homeless,” she said. Schersei had the issue resolved in a few weeks. She then moved on to the lengthy process of filing for asylum.

Professor Emerita Julie Davies, a parttime staff attorney in the clinic, is also doggedly working through asylum cases.

“Afghans who entered the United States in 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome

Michael Dastas ‘22 and Alyssa Eckels ‘22 provide vital services to refugees through their work in the Immigration Law Clinic.

were ‘paroled’ into the United States, which means they are legally allowed to stay for two years. If they wish to stay in the United States permanently, they must apply for asylum. An applicant for asylum must generally apply within one year after their entry into the United States. While there may be some leeway for the Afghans, we have been working to meet the one year deadline,” Davies said. “To do so, we had to get translators, write declarations and gather evidence. It is a huge amount of work to do a good job.”

As they managed the legal hurdles, students also found more immediate ways to show support. Schersei and Eckels were instrumental in collecting donations for refugees and raising money to cover expensive filing fees.

“We wanted to do something else, something more tangible to help our clients,” Eckels said.

The work continued with a new group of students this fall. In addition to helping clients in the clinic, students assisted refugee resettlement agencies in Sacramento at weekend workshops to accommodate the crucial need for legal assistance.

“These students are great ambassadors for our community in terms of showing empathy and respect for these recent arrivals,” said Blake Nordahl, clinical professor of law and supervising attorney for the Immigration Law Clinic.

“I think it means a lot to somebody who is new to this country to see there are people who care about them and are advocating for their rights,” he said. “That’s what our students are doing and will continue to do. And they do an excellent job.”

Alumnus’ Gift Will Support McGeorge Homeless Advocacy Clinic Services

When Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law established a Homeless Advocacy Clinic in 2021, it was the nation’s first to provide legal services exclusively to formerly incarcerated individuals who are unhoused.

A recent gift from a McGeorge alumnus will support students who work in the clinic providing much-needed services to remove barriers to housing.

Sacramento native Robert A. Buccola ’83 and his wife, Dr. Kawanaa Carter, have committed $300,000 to the Homeless Advocacy Clinic, paid out over the next three years. Buccola is a managing and founding partner of Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP.

The gift will support the efforts of the Homeless Advocacy Clinic at McGeorge’s Community Legal Services. It will enable the clinic to continue to make free legal services available to members of the unhoused community who can’t afford legal assistance.

“Making a financial contribution is easy. Making a difference at the grassroots level is the real challenge. I am very proud that the leadership and faculty at University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law are committed to providing legal services to people experiencing homelessness,” Buccola said.

Led by Ron Hochbaum, an assistant clinical professor of law at McGeorge and a national expert on homelessness and poverty law, 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.

“It is comforting to know so many people experiencing homelessness are being helped through this urgently needed legal resource, and that my wife and I are able to help in even a small way,” Buccola said.

Students in the clinic develop expertise in several areas of the law and work with clients with multiple intersecting legal concerns.

“We advocate for the best possible outcomes for our clients and always have their best interests in mind,” said Brian Taghadossi, a third-year law student. “The work has been a very fulfilling experience. I have learned many valuable skills—client interviewing and counseling, case management, oral and written advocacy, and office procedures associated with working in a law office.”

McGeorge’s Homeless Advocacy Clinic is the seventh legal clinic operated by the school which has a focus on experiential learning.

“I truly believe that the Homeless Advocacy Clinic is the perfect example of an educational framework that prioritizes both student and community needs,” Hochbaum said. “Students will learn how to apply theory to real world practice, while clients will receive critical—and in some cases lifesaving— legal representation.

“We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Buccola and Dr. Carter for their generous gift. It will ensure that some of the most marginalized and hardest-to-reach Sacramentans receive critical legal services to remove barriers to housing,” Hochbaum said.

“These students are great ambassadors for our community in terms of showing empathy and respect for these recent arrivals.”

BLAKE NORDAHL

Clinical professor of law and supervising attorney for the Immigration Law Clinic

Francia Orduño ‘24 and Ismael Perez ‘23

First Lady Furthering Community Partnerships

First Lady Jean Callahan is identifying transformative projects and rolling up her sleeves to make positive changes in the Stockton community.

“I am more involved in the community than in previous cities where we lived when I was working full time and raising our two boys,” she said. “The pandemic caused delays, but now we are moving forward. There is so much potential for the university and for Stockton.”

Callahan accepted an invitation to join the governing board of the Miracle Mile Improvement District for the historic shopping area within walking distance of campus. The Mile and the university have a long associa-

tion going back to the 1920s. Homecoming parades were held on Pacific Avenue dating at least to the 1940s.

She immediately started working to strengthen Pacific’s relationship and collaboration with The Mile—a palm tree lined stretch of businesses on Pacific Avenue and Harding Way that includes more than 150 restaurants, retail shops and services.

“We have been brainstorming ways we can broaden and deepen our relationship,” said Kim Byrd ’91, executive director of the Miracle Mile Improvement District and a Pacific alumna. “It is a symbiotic kind of relationship. We benefit from the university and the university can benefit us. Jean has been very energetic and supportive since she joined us.”

Callahan helped negotiate discounts from Miracle Mile businesses for Pacific students and employees. She also has worked

on event planning and beautification of the area.

“I see opportunity with the Miracle Mile to enhance the environment and make it more of a hub for the university, students and the broader community,” said Callahan.

In October, the improvement district received $20 million in funding from the state for use on Miracle Mile projects from 2023–28.

“We are very excited. It’s an opportunity to think strategically,” Callahan said.

Callahan also serves on the board of the San Joaquin Community Foundation, a group which supports disenfranchised and marginalized communities through funding.

“Jean has been an incredibly thoughtful leader and a joy to work with,” said CEO Moses Zapien ’03. “She is engaged in learning more about the community, the issues it faces and how we can make a difference.”

A Student explores Miracle Mile shops during Pacific Welcome 2022 event.

JEAN CALLAHAN

Zapien also points to Callahan’s work on a committee whose charge is to re-brand the organization.

“Her thoughtful input has been a big part of that effort,” he added.

She also is enthusiastic about improving economic development in Stockton and believes “we need more initiatives to build and enhance a professional workforce.”

On campus, Callahan continues her work on facilities and making places and spaces more inviting for students and all Pacificans.

Her work has included the Student Veteran’s Center, the welcome center on the ground floor of Burns Tower and the DeRosa University Center and DeRosa Lawn.

She is excited about the potential for a proposed on-campus lodging space, the Pacific Inn. The university is considering turning one of the historic buildings on

campus into an inviting place that can accommodate visiting parents, families, prospective students, alumni, emeriti, donors and guests throughout the year.

“There is much to consider including the number of rooms and renovation, but the concept is innovative,” she said. “Imagine people staying on campus for homecoming, commencement, as prospective students and more. There is tremendous opportunity.”

Callahan said her approach to community and campus outreach complements that of her husband.

“We are like-minded in where we see opportunities and have mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s different strengths. We both are Type A personalities with a sense of urgency. We do not think ‘why?’ as much as we think “why not?”

University of the Pacific leaders serve community educational, health care, cultural and economic needs with memberships on boards of directors.

Christopher Callahan, President

The Business Council of San Joaquin and Sacramento-based Valley Vision

Jean Callahan, First Lady Miracle Mile Improvement District and San Joaquin Community Foundation

Nader Nadershahi ’94, ‘99, ‘11, Dean of the Dugoni School of Dentistry and San Francisco Campus Provost

The Bay Area Council and San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

Maria Pallavicini, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

San Joaquin Valley HealthForce Partners and Sutter Health, Central Valley Region

Ken Mullen, Chief Operating Officer United Way of San Joaquin County

Scott Biedermann ‘05, ‘20, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

Visionary Home Builders

Wes Yourth, Deputy Director of Athletics

Visit Stockton

Lewis Gale, Professor of Business San Joaquin Partnership

Peter Witte, Dean, Conservatory of Music

San Francisco Contemporary Music Players

Left: Jean Callahan talks to Pacific alumni at National Night of Networking in Stockton.

Below: Students shop for wellness products at the Miracle Mile.

Pacific leaders step up to serve their communities

New Leaders

James Walsh CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

James Walsh joined Pacific as chief financial officer in May from Tufts University in Massachusetts, ranked No. 28th in the nation.

Walsh oversees all areas of the university’s finances in his recently created position, which was previously managed by now Chief Operating Officer Ken Mullen.

Walsh served as executive director and university controller at Tufts, where he led a 90-person team that included financial reporting, tax services, payroll, risk management and insurance, general accounting, research administration and the bursar’s office for student accounts.

Previously he served as associate vice president and controller at Brandeis University and assistant controller at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Walsh earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and an MBA from San Francisco State University. He started his career as a project engineer before moving into finance at companies in San Francisco and Boston. He entered higher education finance at MIT in 2005.

From top-name universities throughout the country, Pacific welcomed new executives whose vision, talent and expertise will be sharply focused on student success. Meet five forwardthinking leaders.

Book: “Beyond Band of Brothers.” It’s the memoir of Major Dick Winters, World War II veteran.

Movie: “Shawshank Redemption“

TV show: “The Last Alaskans“

Food: Pasta

Hobby or interest: I love working in the yard. It’s like meditation.

Suong Ives CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER

Suong Ives, a human resources executive who has served as the chief human resources officer at Clarkson University, is Pacific’s new chief people officer.

She began leading the human resources organization across Pacific’s three campuses this fall.

Ives comes to Pacific from Providence St. Joseph Health System in Eureka, California, where she was chief human resources officer. Prior to that, she was managing director of human resources for the NCAA, which received a “Best Place to Work for All” certification from an Indianapolis

Book: I do Audibles and easily listen to two or three books a week. Octavia Butler is one of my favorite authors.

Movie: “The Martian.” One of the reasons I like it is the optimism, the spirit of ‘you try harder, you get creative, you can get it done,’ And also the disco music. I love disco music.

TV show: Right now, I am watching “Babies” on Netflix. It’s about baby development.

Food: I love food. Years ago, they called it a glutton, now they call it being a foodie. I will cook anything, but my favorite cuisine, of course, is Vietnamese.

Hobby or interest: I’m proud to be a homesteader.

organization under her leadership.

From 2014 to 2018, she was chief inclusion officer and chief human resources officer at Clarkson University, a nationally ranked private university similar to Pacific in upstate New York. She also held HR executive positions at New York University and University of California, Berkeley, as well as several corporations.

Ives earned a master’s degree in human resources management from San Jose State University and has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Polytechnic University in Vietnam.

JAMES’ FAVORITES:

SUONG’S FAVORITES:

The Deans

Charles Moses

DEAN,

EBERHARDT SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Charles Moses joined Pacific as dean of the Eberhardt School of Business from University of San Francisco, where he was dean of the School of Management.

Under his leadership, Moses successfully led efforts to increase enrollment, created industry partnerships, expanded internships, built new global opportunities and raised nearly $25 million.

He also has served as dean of the College of Business Administration at Clark Atlanta University and was founding dean of Edupark, a

business school affiliated with the University of Limpopo in South Africa.

Moses has been a Fulbright Fellow, a Kettering Foundation Public Scholar and a Mellon Fellow focused on globalization of higher education institutions. Before moving into higher education, Moses worked in public service. He began his career in journalism as a newspaper reporter in New York.

A graduate of Howard University, Moses earned his master's of business administration from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College and his doctor of business administration from Case Western Reserve University.

CHARLES’ FAVORITES:

Book: “The Stand” by Stephen King

Movie: “The Godfather”

TV show: I watch movies, but I don’t really watch TV

Food: Black bean soup

Hobby or interest: Work is my hobby, but I do like to travel all over the world

Niraj Chaudhary, who previously served as associate dean for technology-enhanced learning and innovation, was promoted to dean of the library in July to fulfill the university’s vision for an integrated library, teaching and learning center.

As associate dean, Chaudhary worked extensively to support faculty and students with the Cube, Pacific’s innovation and technology center in the Stockton Campus library, which offers everything from 3D printing to virtual reality development.

He had an instrumental role in the library’s renovation as part of the leadership design team. Renovations were completed in 2021 with updated and remodeled spaces that support contemporary learning and teaching.

Chaudhary’s work to expand Pacific’s Open Educational Resources program, which provides education materials at no or low cost, has helped students save $1 million in textbook costs since 2017.

LEE’S FAVORITES:

Book: “Olio“ by Tyehimba

Jess, “Cartucho“ by Nellie Campobello

Movie: “Vertigo” by Alfred Hitchcock, “Y Tu Mamá También” by Alfonso Cuarón

TV show: “Fullmetal

Alchemist: Brotherhood” (Japanese anime my son turned me on to!)

Food: The blue corn tlacoyos I had once on a street corner in downtown Mexico City. I could never find those vendors again, alas.

Hobby or interest: Postcrossing.com (a project that allows people to send and receive postcards from around the world)

NIRAJ’S FAVORITES:

Book: “I Know Why the Caged Bird

Sings” by Maya Angelou

Movie: “Pather Panchali” by Satyajit Ray

TV show: “Malgudi Days”

Food: Vada Pav (a deep-fried potato dumpling inside a bun)

Hobby or interest: Gardening, hiking and running

Lee Skinner

Chaudhary joined Pacific in 2016. He has served as an active member of the Leading Change Institute in Washington, D.C. since 2015, a highly selective national cohort of library leaders. Lee Skinner, dean of Newcomb-Tulane College at Tulane University and former associate dean at Claremont McKenna College, will be the new dean of College of the Pacific.

Skinner has served as dean of Tulane’s undergraduate college since 2019, focused on student success. She oversees 117 staff and academic support and resources for Tulane’s 8,000 undergraduates, including academic advising, undergraduate research, the Center for Academic Equity, career services and the core curriculum.

Tulane University, located in New Orleans, is ranked No. 44 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Prior to Tulane, Skinner spent six years as associate dean of the faculty at Claremont McKenna College, one of seven institutions in the Claremont Colleges Consortium in Southern California.

Skinner is an internationally recognized scholar with research focused on nation-building and national identity in 19th-century Spanish America.

She earned a Ph.D. in Spanish from Emory University and has a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature from Brown University.

Niraj Chaudhary

DEAN OF THE WILLIAM KNOX HOLT MEMORIAL LIBRARY AND LEARNING CENTER

DEAN, COLLEGE OF THE PACIFIC

REGENTS New

University of the Pacific has added five members to its Board of Regents, bringing leadership experience from a wide range of industries.

CONNIE CALLAHAN ’75 has served as judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit for nearly 20 years, nominated by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the Senate in 2003.

She earned her law degree from the McGeorge School of Law in 1975 and started her law career in Stockton as deputy city attorney. She was the first Hispanic woman appointed to the San Joaquin County Superior Court. Callahan serves on the boards of Western University of Health Sciences and American Inns of Court.

Callahan earned her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and went on to receive a master of laws degree from University of Virginia School of Law.

Ardron earned a degree in physical therapy from Loma Linda University and a master of business administration from DeVry University, and participated in the Harvard Business School's Executive Leadership program.

He is a member of the Legislative Committee of the Surplus Lines Association of California and served as chairman in 2005. Hall is also chairman of the Nationwide E&S/Specialty Agents’ Advisory Board.

Hall is currently on the Board of Trustees for Humphreys University and the Board of Directors for Ready to Work in San Joaquin County, which helps formerly homeless men rebuild their lives.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of Southern California. His wife Yvonne is a 1996 graduate of the Eberhardt School of Business.

KIT FOLLMER ’78 is the former CEO of Follmer Development, a food aerosol manufacturer.

Prior to that, he was group leader for Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals where he was active in cardiovascular drug research. He continued his research as an adjunct professor at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, VA Medical Center, after joining Follmer Development in 1990.

A standout member of Pacific’s water polo team, Follmer was inducted into the Pacific Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Pacific in 1978 and a Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii John Burns School of Medicine. He had a post-doctoral fellowship at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

ELIZABETH JOHNSON ’87, a graduate of the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, is the owner and principal of Elizabeth Johnson Consulting, which combines a decade of association management experience with more than 15 years in the pharmaceutical industry.

MARTY ARDRON oversees hospital and health plan operations for 21 hospitals in Northern California as senior vice president for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals, which serves more than 4.5 million members.

He is an active member of the Port City Board of Managers, a joint venture partnership with St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton and Kaiser Permanente. He also serves on the board of directors for Contra Costa Economic Development and the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce.

RUPERT HALL is president and CEO of Golden Bear Insurance Company, a surplus lines brokerage founded by his father in 1973.

Johnson is an active Pacific alumna, previously serving as president of the Pacific Alumni Association. She also served on the Pacific Pharmacy Alumni Association Board, including four years as president. She was recognized as Alumna of the Year by the pharmacy school in 2003 and served on the dean’s advisory council.

Johnson has served in multiple capacities for the American Pharmacists Association and the California Pharmacists Association and is currently on the board of directors for the American Pharmacists Association Foundation.

CORWIN HARPER is chief executive officer of Ochsner Health for the Northshore, Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast Region. Prior to joining Ochsner in late 2021, Harper was senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente in Northern California. He spent 25 years with Kaiser, 16 of which he served as chief executive officer in three different markets. Harper earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Baylor University.

CONSTANCE (XANTTOPOLIS)

RISHWAIN ’79 is a retired executive, most recently serving as president of Vionic Group. She also was president of UGG for more than 20 years, where she led the company to become a $1.5 billion global brand. Rishwain implemented the brand’s Art and Sole initiative to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and sits on the board of KIDS (Kids in Distressed Situations)–Fashion Delivers, which has distributed more than $1 billion to children affected by poverty or tragedy. Rishwain earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Pacific.

BO YU ’93 is a managing partner of Pan Asia International Investment Limited, which he joined in 2002. Yu graduated from Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science in 1993 after transferring from San Joaquin Delta College through the Community Involvement Program (CIP). In 2018, Yu and his wife, Jess, established the Bo and Jess Yu Endowed Scholarship to provide financial support for CIP students.

In Memoriam: Dr. Eve M. Kurtin

Former Pacific Regent Dr. Eve M. Kurtin ‘76 was known as a financial titan in her professional career, a trusted advisor and a passionate social activist. Kurtin served on the Board of Regents from 2015 to 2020.

A graduate of the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, Kurtin led the Pacific Venture Group, a private equity and venture capital investment firm specializing in the health care industry. She was founder and CEO of Physician Venture Management, CEO and president of Kurtin Communications, vice president of American Medical International and a founding member of the RAND Health Board of Advisors.

Recognized as an engaged and committed community leader, Kurtin was a featured panelist for the Women of Influence Speaker Series for the National Association of Women Business Owners-LA and actively supported the Jewish Graduate Student Initiative.

Kurtin served as co-chair of KOREH LA, the literacy program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. In her role as director for the Union for Reform Judaism, she attended a meeting at the White House with Chief of Staff Jack Lew to discuss a range of topics, including international relations with Israel and the Affordable Care Act.

Above: Eve Kurtin at the Board of Regents meeting in Sacramento October 20, 2016.

Three regents, whose terms ended in 2022, leave a legacy:

AVisionary Leader

Scientist, strategist, supporter: Look around Pacific’s three campuses and you will see the work of Maria Pallavicini.

The provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs who leads the university’s academic portfolio in its nine schools and colleges leaves a legacy of educational excellence as she retires after 11 years as provost.

A visionary leader, Pallavicini has created forward-thinking academic programs and built new facilities that have reshaped the future of teaching and learning.

“Her grace as a leader is tremendous,” said Berit Gunderson, interim dean for the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and former vice provost for Faculty Affairs who has worked with Pallavicini for more than a decade. “She makes data-informed decisions, and from the very beginning she saw the big picture.”

Early in her tenure at Pacific, Pallavicini strengthened Pacific's footprint in San Francisco through the design of a new multi-story building in California's South of Market (SoMa) district on Fifth Street. This campus building enabled the expansion of innovative pedagogy in the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and new growth across university academic programs.

The School of Health Sciences, launched in 2020, is one of Pallavicini’s most impactful achievements. She was a driving force behind its creation.

“That fulfilled a vision to bring on board programs to meet the needs of the community and help grow enrollment,” Pallavicini said. “I love being able to help create new

things and meet needs—whether they’re programs, structures or opportunities—that align with the mission of the university and where we need to be going.”

Pallavicini also was an integral part of transforming the library into a modern center focused on 21st-century learning and teaching. Extensive renovations to the William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center were completed in 2021 when the space was transformed to include a digital makerspace, collaboration areas, meditation and prayer space, and the Student Academic Success Hub, which integrates student services such as tutoring, the Writing Center and study skills courses.

“Maria has served Pacific tirelessly, with passion, conviction and the highest values,” President Christopher Callahan said. “Her service to the university will continue to be felt for decades by future Pacificans who will benefit from the innovative programs and services she helped establish.”

While serving as interim president during the 2019–20 academic year, Pallavicini guided the university through the COVID-19 pandemic; leading the quick transition to remote teaching and learning; forming the university’s COVID Council of researchers; scientists and health experts; and working with county and state agencies to secure an early supply of vaccinations, enabling Pacific to be one of the first university COVID-19 vaccination sites.

“Maria is a problem solver,” said Paul Subar, professor at the Dugoni School of Dentistry and former chair of the Academic Council. “She gets things done by looking at issues from many angles, and part of that is because she was a research

scientist. She brought to the university a carefully measured approach to problem-solving.”

Her years as provost are the capstone to a 43year career in higher education that has included time as a dean, professor and scientist.

“I had never anticipated being a provost. That was not my career goal. It was an opportunity that came to me. It was a big risk that I took leaving the University of California (system), but I’m a risk taker,” Pallavicini said.

Prior to Pacific, Pallavicini was founding dean and professor of the School of Natural Sciences at University of California, Merced, where she served for nearly 10 years. Pallavicini also was a faculty member at UC San Francisco for 12 years. She taught undergraduate courses on stem cell biology and graduate courses in cancer biology and genetics.

Her career began as a biomedical scientist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in 1978. Pallavicini has authored or co-authored more than 80 peer-reviewed articles focusing on her research area of stem cells in cancer.

Pallavicini has also served as a mentor to colleagues in education and co-workers at Pacific.

“Maria was an extremely generous mentor to me, prompting me to see beyond my blind spots, to grow through challenges, to be discerning in all things, and to devote myself wholly to the task at hand. I learned more from her than I can express in words,” said Courtney Lehmann, professor of English and director of the Powell Scholars Program.

“I think the side of Maria that might not be fully evident is the support and guidance she has given to many people around her. She has served as a mentor, advisor and friend to me and many

others and has helped Pacific advance tremendously,” said Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president for University Development and Alumni Relations.

What I will miss most about Pacific is… the people I work with. A wonderful Academic Affairs administrative team so very dedicated to supporting our faculty and students. I will miss our faculty who dedicate their lives to helping our students find themselves and be successful. And, of course, I will miss our students whose presence defines our university at each of our campuses and reminds us all of why we do what we do.

In retirement, I am most looking forward to… being able to exercise at a time other than 4:30 a.m.! Spending more time with my three daughters, six grandchildren and partner Ron. Perhaps volunteering at an animal shelter and helping in health care.

Outside of work, I enjoy… spending time with family. We have a long history of rescuing German Shepherds and I love spending time outside, whether it be gardening, working in the vineyard or hiking. And I can count on the ‘outside of work activities’ enjoying the many wineries and their associated events in the Lodi region.

To honor Maria: Please consider supporting the Guenter K. Fischer Memorial Scholarship Maria created in memory of her late husband, which supports Conservatory students. Contact Scott Biedermann at sbiedermann@pacific.edu or 209.946.2166.

Maria understands the dynamic nature of higher education and works tirelessly in support of Pacific as we change and grow to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. She is endlessly patient and kind. I will miss her steady leadership and keen insights.

PATRICIA CAMPBELL Dean, Benerd College

Celebrating Milestones

More than 100 Pacific students took part in end-of-year affinity group celebrations in May, marking their academic achievements while honoring their own cultural traditions and identities.

With support from Pacific’s Center for Identity and Inclusion and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, affinity student groups hosted five ceremonies for graduates from Latinx, Native American, Black and African American, LGBTQ+ and Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi (APID) communities.

The celebrations highlighted the outstanding work graduating students have accomplished in the areas of service, academics and leadership, while affirming the unique challenges and experiences they share. This year marked the first in-person affinity celebrations since 2019, and the first in-person celebrations for APID and Native American graduates.

For students, the smaller celebrations represented an acknowledgement of their perseverance in reaching this important milestone.

“For those of us who grew up with nothing and are first-generation college students, it was really special to be recognized for all the hard work and time it took to get where we are today. It was meaningful to take part in the ceremony and feel so welcomed and appreciated,” bioengineering major Miguel Gonzalez ’22 reflected on the Latinx ceremony.

Each program featured a keynote address, poetry readings and culture-specific traditions and performances followed

by a dessert reception for families and friends. Graduates were also presented with a stole designed specifically for their affinity group.

“It’s a privilege to host these celebrations that bring students and their families together to honor their achievements, recognize their sacrifices and highlight the many contributions they have made to the university community,” said Mary J. Lomax-Ghirarduzzi ’89, Pacific’s vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. “To feel the energy, joy and love fill the room is truly inspiring.”

MIGUEL GONZALEZ ’22 Bioengineering student

For those of us who grew up with nothing and are first-generation college students, it was really special to be recognized for all the hard work and time it took to get where we are today. It was meaningful to take part in the ceremony and feel so welcomed and appreciated.

1. Ta’Niyia Smith 2. Left: Rolando Garcia-Ceballos Center: Adrian Garcia Right: Miguel Andrade-Salcedo 3. Susan Perez

4. Allegra Rocha 5. Gisele Guirand-Griffin 6. Mario Enriquez

7. Breshon Hooker 8. Annette Martinez 9. Left: Anthony Vasquez Right: Ramon Prasad 10. APID graduates

1. ALOK 2. Winona LaDuke

3. Nicole Joseph-Chin

4. DANakaDAN 5. Christina Elmore

6. Sardia Robinson 7. Syracuse 8

Voices of Diversity

ALOK

Internationally acclaimed gender non-conforming writer, performer and public speaker Alok Vaid-Menon (they/them) spoke to students and signed copies of their books during Pacific’s Pride Month. Alok is the best-selling author of Femme in Public (2017) and Beyond the Gender

Binary (2020) and the creator of #DeGenderFashion, a movement to degender the fashion and beauty industries. During their presentation, Alok discussed the importance of recognizing the multiplicity of genders, finding beauty in the queer community and creating a world where everyone can live unapologetically as their authentic selves.

Winona LaDuke

Reaffirm the rights of nature. That was the clarion call from Native American advocate Winona LaDuke, who was the featured speaker during Women’s History Month in March. LaDuke is a Harvard-educated economist, environmental activist, hemp farmer and two-time Green Party vice-presidential candidate. She is also an international thought leader and lecturer on climate justice and renewable energy. During her presentation she lauded the importance of applying indigenous thinking to modern food systems to preserve diverse crops, protect native plants and safeguard the earth against climate change.

CEOs of Color

The challenge was clear to Eberhardt School of Business Associate Professor Sacha Joseph-Mathews: introduce students to more leaders of color. She tapped into her network outside of academia to create a program called CEOs of Color in Residence where business and entrepreneurial leaders are assimilated into the business school. Over four weeks, they share their expertise

with students, faculty and staff from the school, across the university and in the community. “Students were so hungry to see people who look like them with this bedrock of knowledge,” said JosephMatthews. “Their conversations were epic.” To date, three CEOs have participated in the program, including Nicole Joseph-Chin, a social entrepreneur and impact strategist from Trinidad and Tobago; Darrell Teat, the CEO of Sacramento-based Safety Center; and Tanya Patterson, a real estate broker and CEO of Patterson Investments.

DANakaDAN

Dan Matthews, a YouTuber and indie rap musician based out of Los Angeles, was a featured speaker during Pacific’s Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi Heritage Month. Matthews, also known by his stage name DANakaDAN, spoke to students in the Don and Karen DeRosa University Center about his experience growing up as a Korean adoptee; navigating the music industry as an Asian American artist; his journey to reconnect with his biological family; including an identical twin brother he never knew about; and the documentary he produced about the experience.

Christina Elmore

Film, television and theater star Christina Elmore has been making waves in Hollywood. The Harvard alumna has performed in roles across all genres as a series regular on TNT’s hit series, “The Last Ship,” the lead role of Marie in BET’s “Twenties” and in the recurring role of Condola on HBO’s critically acclaimed show “Insecure.” In February, she spoke to Pacificans in Faye Spanos Concert Hall about the importance of telling Black stories as part of the university’s Black History Month programming. The Sacramento native discussed the recent shift in media to

tell more authentic stories about people of color and praised the renaissance moment in Black television that portrays Black life as beautiful, engaging and accessible to everyone.

Sardia Robinson

Actress, writer, producer and comedian Sardia Robinson kicked off Pacific’s Black History Month programming with a performance of her one-woman play, “From a Yardie to a Yankee.” The critically acclaimed autobiographical show recounts the dangers she faced living in Kingston, Jamaica and the struggles she endured after immigrating to the United States. With heartache and humor, the play tells her life’s story through 15 endearing characters, all based on real people. After the performance, Robinson answered questions from students about overcoming prejudice in Hollywood and her mission to shift the narrative for Jamaicans and all Black women in the entertainment industry.

Syracuse 8

Before Colin Kaepernick, there was the Syracuse 8, a group of Black Syracuse University football players who took a stand against inequality. Three former members of the team, John Lobon, Greg Allen and A. Alif Muhammad, shared their experience with the university and Stockton community in Faye Spanos Concert Hall during Black History Month. The Syracuse 8 are nine players who boycotted the 1970 spring football season to demand an end to racial discrimination within the football program, including a call for better academic and medical treatment. During the panel, players discussed their harrowing experiences with racism, the troubling parallels to recent events and the encouraging signs of progress being made today.

JUNETEENTH

Written by Mary J. Lomax–Ghirarduzzi ‘89

Strawberry soda. Savory BBQ. Collard greens. Sweet corn. Watermelon. Cherry pie.

My father was a Black Texan. My mother was a Black Arkansan. When they migrated to California, they brought with them traditions passed down through ancestors from West Africa and the Congo. My parents understood the powerful symbol the color red expressed on the table: a reminder of the sacrifices endured.

This is my Juneteenth.

This month, the nation will join in celebrating Juneteenth, a federal holiday that acknowledges when enslaved Black people in Texas were finally freed on June 19, 1865—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Eman-

cipation Proclamation. Starting next year, my home institution and my alma mater, University of the Pacific, will celebrate Juneteenth as a holiday.

As a child, I thought Juneteenth was a celebration solely for African Americans. In time, I would learn that Juneteenth is for everyone.

I was 8 when my mother explained to me what Juneteenth meant: “It’s when Black people got freed.” She continued, “but they didn’t want us to know it.” To this day, her answer is the best description of the importance of Juneteenth that I’ve ever encountered.

The first part of my mother’s response was about the opportunity that comes only when we are invited into a place of critical reflection: the remembrance

of our ancestors, why they mattered and how we celebrate their resistance and ingenuity, and share what they passed down to us—symbolic foods, culturally informed identities and racially affirming pride.

The second part of her response—“But they didn’t want us to know it”—is a critical analysis, urging us to pay close attention to how inequality happens and to take action.

With a mere eight words, my mother provided a historically informed and equity-focused context to think about and examine persistent inequality. Her analysis exposed why racism endures and how it is enacted by people within institutions to maintain the status quo. She reminded me that we stay oppressed only when

we are unaware of this inequitable paradigm.

Her revelation on the importance of the holiday has stayed with me: Juneteenth exists as a symbol of pride and a warning of injustice—affirming and cautionary at the same time.

And this teaching expands past Juneteenth.

We need critical frameworks—like the one my mother embodied organically, out of necessity—that can quickly name oppressive systems, identify what keeps them in place, and then mobilize to disrupt, intervene and foment change. We must understand that oppressive systems work to hinder everyone’s ability to thrive, regardless of race. A framework that confronts them is anti-racist and aspiration-

It's a celebration, and a warning, for everyone

isn’t just for African Americans.

Pacific Community Comes Together for DEI Challenge

Pacific employees and students were invited to participate in a 10-week DEI Challenge this spring as part of the university’s effort to become a model anti-racist institution. The program was designed to engage the Pacific community in thought-provoking dialogue centered on anti-racism and inclusivity.

Guiyang (Angel) ‘23, Pacific’s student body president who led the introductory workshop with two other students, was struck by the turnout and enthusiasm from the Pacific community. ”During the session I helped facilitate, over 120 Pacificans logged on, and the chatbox was bustling with participants sharing their insights, lived experiences and commitments to learning. People want to learn, and people want to learn to be better for others.”

Planning is already underway to create the curriculum for next year’s challenge. al at its core and requires us all to engage in critical reflection.

Juneteenth is a day for each person to remember what their family contributed and endured to build America. It is a holiday that invites us to think deeply on what freedom and liberty mean and what must be done to fulfill our obligations for the greater good. The spirit of Juneteenth calls for mindfulness to learn how socioeconomic forces work to either impede or propel our collective joy and prosperity.

Juneteenth is a time for us to celebrate traditions and re-center a righteousness that extends to every culture and community in the United States. Indeed, it is a great thing to celebrate “when we got freed,” yet my hope is that each person will take time to understand how Juneteenth is as much their holiday as it is mine, reflecting on who we are and who we can become.

Mary J. Lomax–Ghirarduzzi ‘89 is vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, and a professor of communication at University of the Pacific

The challenge was the result of a university-wide collaboration between Pacific’s Staff Advisory Council; the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; the Academic Council; Associated Students of University of the Pacific; and the University Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, with members volunteering their time to develop and promote the curriculum.

Weekly sessions covered topics including microaggressions, identity and expression, and building a discrimination-free workplace.

“I think it’s important from a human aspect to understand our peers more and empathize with others,” said Denise Fitzgerald, the former president of the Staff Advisory Council who helped lead the effort. “That’s at the heart of what DEI work is all about—communication, understanding and opening up to different ideas and perspectives.”

Workshops were facilitated by internal subject matter experts, including staff, faculty, students and members of Pacific’s Board of Regents, and recorded to accommodate those who couldn’t attend.

in Stockton.

I think it’s important from a human aspect to understand our peers more and empathize with others.

DENISE FITZGERALD Former President of the Staff Advisory Council

Inspiring Change

Pharmacy students lead revision of national oath

During the spring commencement season, graduating pharmacists around the country recited a revised oath for the first time that included diversity, equity and inclusion—an effort led by the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy.

“I felt like it was a necessary step in improving patient care and creating a good mindset for us,” said doctor of pharmacy graduate Adam Aboubakare ’22.

Aboubakare was one of 11 people, only two of whom were students, selected for a national committee to revise the oath, which outlines the values and characteristics pharmacists will uphold.

The primary change was the addition of a line reading: “I will promote inclusion, embrace diversity, and advocate for justice to advance health equity.” It was approved by

the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and the American Pharmacists Association in fall 2021.

“Back when there were protests, the pharmacy school students got together, motivated to advocate for patient care, so we started off with White Coats for Black Lives,” Aboubakare said. He founded Pacific’s chapter of the national organization, with a goal of educating people about how health care inequities can affect patient care.

Inspired by their passion, a diversity, equity and inclusion committee made up of students, faculty, staff and alumni was created at the pharmacy school. Pharmacy professor Marisella Guerrero ’98 serves as lead faculty member.

“I brought forward the idea of amending the oath to include some type of statement of diversity, equity

and inclusion,” Guerrero said. “It was based off an article I read where some medical students were looking over the Hippocratic Oath and considering whether changes needed to be made.”

The committee reached out to the national pharmacy associations to suggest a revision and they agreed.

“It is through the efforts of passionate student pharmacist advocates at Pacific that our profession will continue to improve the quality of health care for everyone in our nation,” said Keith Marciniak, vice president of member relations at the American Pharmacists Association.

Aboubakare says he is hopeful the revised oath will inspire change.

“It might spark a new discussion in someone’s mind that maybe it is important to be more inclusive, to care for patients regardless of who they are, where they come from and the identity that they have,” he said.

“I will promote inclusion, embrace diversity, and advocate for justice to advance health equity.”

The updated pharmacy oath was read at Commencement 2022.

Center for Identity and Inclusion

As part of the university’s focus on uplifting the voices of students from diverse identities, backgrounds and experiences, Pacific’s Office of Intercultural Student Success has been renamed the Center for Identity and Inclusion.

The new center will co-locate Pacific’s cultural affinity groups, which were dispersed throughout campus, into one central location on the first and second floors of the McCaffrey Center on the Stockton Campus.

Intercultural Student Success has long been the campus hub for students who are members of cultural, LGBTQ+ and gender-focused identity groups. Over the years, its charge has grown larger and more complex.

“The name was not resonating with the campus,” said Mario Enriquez ’10, who joined Pacific in late January as the center’s new director. “Students didn’t know we were here or what we offered, and as a result, they couldn’t envision themselves in the space.”

Enriquez, who brings a decade of professional experience in Latino civil rights and

LGBTQ+ advocacy at the state and federal levels, landed on the new name after months of research and input from students, faculty and staff.

Students will have access to the center after hours for meetings and special events, or to casually meet and build friendships. Faculty members are also encouraged to use the space for special lectures or to partner with one of the center’s program specialists to colead workshops on topics related to DEI.

“The center is as colorful as the people it serves,” said Khushi Pannu ‘26, an incoming freshman majoring in health studies. “Stockton is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, so having this center is important because it will help students find a sense of belonging.”

Transformed by vibrant paint and colorful modular furniture, the physical changes underscore the way the center’s work will impact students, with a renewed focus on coalition building, identity development and support services for Pacific’s five cultural affinity groups:

1. El Centro

2. Native American Student Services

3. Black Student Services

4. Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi Student Services

5. LGBTQ+ Resource Center

Building a Health Care POWERHOUSE

The only school to span all three of Pacific’s campuses in Sacramento, San Francisco and Stockton, the School of Health Sciences has dramatically elevated Pacific’s role as a leading force in health care education.

Launched in 2020, the School of Health Sciences joins the nationally renowned Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy in educating future health care leaders. Innovative programming, extensive experiential learning and robust clinical training prepare students to be practitioners in a variety of fields: athletic trainers, audiologists, clinical nutritionists, nurses, physical therapists, physician assistants, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and social workers.

With the rising need for health care providers across the country, Pacific is stepping up to meet the demand.

Bringing the Vision to Life

The university formed the first medical school in California in 1858, now the Stanford University School of Medicine, and went on to build the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 1896 and the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy in 1955.

Pacific took the next step to venture deeper into health care education with the launch of the School of Health Sciences to address the growing need for a health care workforce in the community.

“Dean Nicoleta Bugnariu and her team have done a remarkable job in a breathtakingly short period of time to make the School of Health Sciences a cornerstone of University of the Pacific and a major player in California health care education,” President Christopher Callahan said.

The idea of expanding the health sciences programs began in the mid to late 1990s, but it was Provost Maria Pallavicini who put the plans into motion after joining Pacific in 2011 and incorporating it into Pacific’s long-term strategic plan.

“We wanted to create a framework for how we train students to work in team-based, interprofessional environments, which is how modern health care is delivered,” Pallavicini said.

Pacific also wanted to train health care professionals who would work in the university’s neighboring communities, which have some of California’s most medically underserved populations.

“Provost Pallavicini had the vision of not just growing new programs,

but asking, ‘what can we do for our community?’ And when you look at the Central Valley, health care is a huge need,” said Berit Gunderson ‘84, interim dean of the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy. She was a key player in the founding of the School of Health Sciences first as vice provost, and subsequently serving as interim associate dean in the School of Health Sciences for 18 months.

“In 2018, we started the hard work of figuring out ‘what do you need to do to start a school?’” Gunderson recalled.

Professor Emeritus Bob Hanyak ’79, who retired in 2018 after teaching audiology and speech-language pathology for 33 years, was tapped to help lead the effort as interim director of the School of Health Sciences and served in the role until spring 2020. Initial planning and the foundation for three of the school’s newest academic programs were developed under his leadership.

The master’s degrees in Social Work and Clinical Nutrition programs enrolled their first cohorts of students in fall 2020. Clinical Nutrition is the first in California to educate students in the Future Education Model, which combines coursework with clinical experiential learning. The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program enrolled the inaugural class of students in spring 2021. An entry level Master of Science in Nursing program was launched in April 2022.

Five existing programs housed in other schools became part of the new School of Health Sciences: athletic

1936–2023

School of Health Sciences

Timeline

1985 Department of Physical Therapy was established

1936

The history of what is known today as the Department of Speech-Language Pathology begins

2015 Pacific launched first accelerated Doctor of Audiology in Northern California

training, audiology (the first doctorate program in Northern California), physical therapy, physician assistant and speech-language pathology (the longest-running program in the school).

The move enhanced opportunities for students to interact with their peers in other programs. The robust interprofessional education experience is a key part of the school’s foundational principles to ensure students are practice-ready when they enter the workforce.

“Having that type of interaction creates a much deeper understanding of how we work together with other health professionals to deliver the best quality that we can to our clients,” said Gabe E. Soto ’24, a student in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program

Pacific also has more than 1,100 clinical affiliations where students train in health care facilities, pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, athletic venues and other sites to help students gain on-the-job practice and confidence.

“As a school, we have great opportunities and responsibilities to provide a transformational educational experience and prepare our graduates to positively shape the future of the health care experience,” Bugnariu said.

Plans are in the works for new programs in 2023 (see story on page 53).

With more than 160 years of experience, Pacific has a strong and lasting impact on health care education.

Dean Nicoleta Bugnariu

When Nicoleta Bugnariu (or Dean Nicoleta as she is endearingly known) became founding dean of the School of Health Sciences, she had a clear focus: celebrate the individual identities and contributions of each program while uniting them into one school.

With an intentional emphasis on people, strategy and execution, Bugnariu has built a strong team centered around a culture of collaboration, entrepreneurship and innovation.

The programs she has developed open opportunities for students and prepare them for meaningful careers caring for patients and serving as leaders in the community.

Bugnariu came to Pacific from the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth where she was vice provost for community engagement. She earned her PhD in neuroscience at the University of Ottawa, Canada and an executive master’s in business administration from Texas Christian University.

She also is a licensed physical therapist and researcher with dozens of peer-reviewed publications and scientific and professional presentations.

2017 Inaugural class Master of Physician Assistant Studies

2020 Pacific’s New School of Health Sciences is officially launched Inaugural class Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition

2020 Inaugural class Master of Science in Social Work

2022 Inaugural class Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing

2023 Doctor of Medical Science and Doctor of Health Science launching in January

2018 Inaugural class Master of Science in Athletic Training

2021 Inaugural class Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Dean Bugnariu at the School of Health Sciences ribbon cutting on the Sacramento campus.

Nursing program provides pathway for career changes

Ingrid Scott ’24 vividly remembers a monthlong hospital stay at the age of nine–and the person who helped her through it.

“One of the nurses took me under her wing. She took care of me every day and made sure everything was okay,” Scott said. “I remember thinking, ‘I would love to do what she does, to provide patient care and be able to provide comfort to someone at a time of need.’”

Scott, who has a master’s degree in business administration, decided it was time to pursue her passion after 20 years in health care management.

She is one of 40 students in the inaugural class who come from different backgrounds, part of the unique draw of an entry level master’s program, which enables students with bachelor’s degrees in any major to pursue a master’s degree in nursing.

“We all have very different experiences, and that comes out in our classes,” said nursing student Brooke Waller ’24. “Not only are we learning from our professors, but we are also learning from each other.”

The program is designed to help overcome a regional and statewide nursing shortage. According to a report by the UCSF Health Workforce Research Center on Long-Term Care, there is a shortage of more than 40,000 registered nurses in California.

Located on Pacific’s Sacramento Campus, the program will enroll 80 students annually. More than 500 people applied to be in the first group.

Nursing student Tuan Hoang ‘24, who majored in biochemistry as an undergraduate, felt called to the profession during the pandemic. “It made me feel like I need to do something to help society,” Hoang said.

Upon graduation from the two-year program, nursing students will have a

“Not only are we learning from our professors, but we are also learning from each other.”

BROOKE WALLER ‘24 Nursing student

High-quality health care is essential for California’s communities. Pacific is meeting the need for dedicated professionals with its newest program in the School of Health Sciences—Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing.

master’s degree, preparation for licensure as a registered nurse, and a public health certificate, which gives students a larger picture of the health care field and population health.

“Previous data show that those students are better positioned to advance in their careers in terms of leadership in nursing,” School of Health Sciences Dean Nicoleta Bugnariu explained.

A newly created, state-of-theart nursing suite includes a clinical skills and simulation center with high-fidelity manikins that allow students to work through different scenarios.

“When you’re in a clinic, you’re at the mercy of whatever patients are in the hospital at the time. In the simulation suite we can guarantee, you’re going to get a heart attack, you’re going to get someone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, you’re going to get a child ‘with asthma,’” said Holly Evans Madison, chair of the nursing program. “It’s a great learning opportunity for our students to have that kind of experience.”

The program has a community-driven focus. Clinical rotations take place in the Central Valley with a goal of placing highly qualified professionals throughout the area.

A diabetes management concentration is part of the curriculum—crucial since 60% of Stockton residents have diabetes or pre-diabetes. The Abbott Fund, the foundation for the global health care company Abbott, offers scholarships to nursing students interested

in pursuing diabetes care (see page 55).

Others are considering nursing careers in everything from pediatrics to oncology. Hoang hopes to work at a veteran’s hospital.

“My spouse is a veteran, and he was in Iraq last year. Veterans sacrifice their lives for our country, and I want to pay it back,” Hoang said.

The first class will graduate in 2024.

“It is an intense program, but it is amazing how much I have learned,” Scott said. “When I started, I did not know how to start an IV, administer injections or insert a catheter. I can do all of those things now.”

The program is designed to help overcome a regional and statewide nursing shortage.

According to a report by the UCSF Health Workforce Research Center on Long-Term Care, there is a shortage of more than 40,000 registered nurses in California.

Nursing students Anitra Sentha ‘24 (left), Malina Carrillo ‘24 (right) in the new School of Health Sciences lab on the Sacramento Campus.

New programs leading the way in their fields

DOCTOR OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, LAUNCHED 2021

With a double bachelor’s degree in Spanish and international relations and a professional career in public relations, Gabe E. Soto ’24 never planned to go into health care.

A traumatic brain injury changed everything.

“I received occupational therapy services for about eight months, and it was life-changing for me. Occupational therapy gave me my independence back,” Soto said.

The experience inspired Soto to change careers and enroll in Pacific’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Occupational therapists improve people’s everyday lives, whether they are recovering from an injury, struggling with mental health or dealing with an illness. “It is a very fulfilling field,” Soto said.

Pacific’s training puts students at the leading edge of their profession. It is

the only program in the country to train students with the Bioness Integrated Training System, a 3D tool used to assess clients, and the only one in Northern California to use virtual reality in its anatomy and physiology course.

“Virtual reality helps students understand what diseases and chronic conditions look like on the inside,” said Natalie Perkins, occupational therapy program director and department chair.

“It helps them visualize it in a way that they can’t with images on a screen.”

The first class will graduate in August 2023.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CLINICAL NUTRITION, LAUNCHED 2020

Abby Burnell ‘21 had multiple job offers immediately after graduating with Pacific’s first clinical nutrition class in December 2021.

“The Pacific program really prepared me well,” said Burnell, who now works at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.

The program is located on the Sacramento Campus and is the first in California to follow the Future Education Model, which integrates coursework with supervised experiential learning.

“Usually you do them separately, but with Pacific it was intertwined,” explained Burnell. “We went back and forth between classes and going out into practice. It allowed us to ask our professors a lot of questions and get more clarification.”

Pacific’s first class had a 100% pass rate on the exam to become registered dietitian nutritionists.

“This education model allows the program to focus on what skills would make the graduates successful,” said Long Wang, chair and program direc tor for Clinical Nutrition.

National data has shown the mod el is beneficial for people looking to make a career change. More than half the students in the most recent class at Pacific did not have a nutrition background.

“That is a service to the communi ty because we need more dietitians. The nation needs them, and California needs them,” Wang said.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SOCIAL WORK, LAUNCHED 2020

The Master of Science in Social Work program is changing the face of

The School of Health Sciences’ newest programs are some of the first—and only—to train students using innovative technology and teaching methods, preparing students for in-demand careers.

“I received occupational therapy services for about eight months, and it was life-changing for me. Occupational therapy gave me my independence back.”

– GABE E. SOTO ‘24 Occupational Therapy student

community social workers.

Traditionally a field largely comprised of white women, Pacific’s recent class is 80% students of color—a number “unheard of” for most social work programs.

“Representation definitely matters,” said Amanda West, chair and program director.

A capstone project by two students focused on access to care in minority communities. “One thing that came out of their focus group was lack of trust with service providers,” West said.

The program also helps fill the demand for social workers in San Joaquin County.

Many students who graduated from the program in December 2021 have gone on to work for Community Medical Centers, which are federally funded integrated health centers that provide care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

The program also offers a sub-specialization in diabetes management to provide future social workers with the tools they need to fight a diabetes epidemic in Stockton.

“We need a holistic approach for these patients and that is one thing I am excited to educate them about,” said Victoria Cardona ’23. “Oftentimes, when you have diabetes, you beat yourself up for decisions you make. I can come in and help empower clients.”

DOCTOR OF MEDICAL SCIENCE AND DOCTOR OF HEALTH SCIENCE,

Two new doctoral degrees will be offered in 2023 to prepare clinicians for leadership roles in health care or positions in academia. Only one joint program cur-

rently exists in the country, placing Pacific at the leading edge of interprofessional health education.

While the degrees are part of the same program, the degree designation is based on the credentials students have when they enter the program.

The Doctor of Medical Science degree is for physician assistants, while the Doctor of Health Science degree is for health science professionals, such as audiologists and oc cupational therapists.

“Both are delivered online for those who are practicing in clinics or teaching,” explained School of Health Sciences Dean Nicoleta Bugnariu. “It is designed for health care professionals who are employed and are doing this in addition to their job.”

“The degrees will expand clinical leadership and upscale education competencies for clinicians that want to transition into academia,” added Lindsay Gietzen, program director for the Doctor of Medical Science and Doctor of Health Science program.

The inaugural class has representation from states across the country and represents the diverse healthcare team, including physical therapists, physician assistants, speech-language pathologists and social workers.

“It’s not just that we have people with different clinical backgrounds in the same class, but they are learning about each other, and they’re learning from each other. There’s cross-pollination of ideas and skills and knowledge,” said Kris Himmerick, director of assessment and accreditation in the School of Health Sciences.

Students will have the option of two tracks—clinical leadership or education. The program is approximately 12 to 15 months, depending on a student’s prior coursework.

“Doctorate degrees are becoming increasingly important for employers,” said Maria Pallavicini, provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs. “I am excited to be able to expand our health care educational offerings to meet the needs of healthcare industries and employers.”

The

new programs in the School of Health Sciences join five long-time leaders in their fields.

• Master of Science in Athletic Training: Students take part in 12 weeks of full-time clinical experiences—three times longer than the accreditation standard.

• Doctor of Audiology: Pacific’s audiology program is the only three-year accelerated program in California and has a 100% employment rate after graduation.

• Doctor of Physical Therapy: After obtaining their licenses, physical therapy graduates have a 100% employment rate.

• Master of Physician Assistant Studies: Pacific has a 100% pass rate for the national certification exam for physician assistants.

• Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology: Students in the master’s program have achieved a 100% pass rate on the licensure exam for 26 consecutive years, the longest record among all California universities.

For more information visit Pacific.edu/HealthSciences

Making an Impact

Treating speech disorders. Supporting refugees. Providing immunizations. Students

School

SOCIAL WORK

Afghan refugees who have fled to the United States receive much-needed support from students in the Master of Social Work program on the Sacramento Campus.

Starting in the fall of 2021, Pacific students partnered with students from the University of California, Davis, to form small groups with expertise in social work, medicine, nursing, cultural customs, interpretation and more. The work continued with new students in 2022.

The students visit families in their homes once a week to help them navigate the available services and resources.

Students also volunteer at Diabetes Care Clinics as part of the Future Well Communities program started by global health care company Abbott. The information they gather provides a more holistic view of their clients to other medical professionals.

They are also required to put in more than 1,100 hours a year in field internships.

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

For more than 30 years, Pacific’s speech-language pathology students have provided invaluable services to children and adults with communication disorders at no cost through the school’s clinics and support programs.

Both undergraduate and graduate students treat children in the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of Stockton. Graduate students also work with adults who have communicative impairments and disorders in the Pacific Speech, Hearing and Language Center.

At the center, students in first through 12th grade receive support in reading and writing.

Services extend beyond the clinics to support groups and programs, including the Pacific Aphasia Conversation Team, Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group and the SPEAK OUT! and LOUD Crowd program for people with Parkinson’s disease.

ATHLETIC TRAINING

Graduate students in the athletic training program work with teams in the community on a daily basis, from high school athletes to professionals.

This includes teams from St. Mary’s High School, Modesto Junior College, San Joaquin Delta College, Sacramento City College and American River College.

Pacific students also have worked with professional soccer athletes from the San Jose Earthquakes and Sacramento Republic FC.

While the accreditation standard is four weeks, Pacific’s students spend 12 weeks working full-time with teams.

AUDIOLOGY

With clinics in San Francisco and Stockton, Pacific’s Hearing and Balance Center treats people of all ages.

Students see patients alongside faculty members who show them how to interact, diagnose and ameliorate hearing losses with services provided at a discounted rate.

They also provide hearing screenings for children ages 5-10 in San Francisco Unified School District and other community members during outreach events throughout the year. In partnership with the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, dental and hearing screenings are provided to seniors, veterans and Medicare patients.

CLINICAL NUTRITION

As part of their clinical rotations, students work closely with some of the most vulnerable populations through WIC, a federal nutrition program for women, infants and children. They also do clinical rotations with schools for their lunch and breakfast programs.

Students in the program also are lending support to a free health clinic in Sacramento performing a needs assessment

survey. The survey identifies nutrition-related knowledge among volunteers working with patients. They plan to design a curriculum for volunteers in the future to address the results.

NURSING

Just months after the nursing program launched in April, students began working in the community with the Abbott Fund’s Diabetes Care Clinics. Students take vital signs, educate patients on diabetes and show them how to use glucometers.

As part of clinical rotations, they also work directly with patients at Community Medical Centers, which are federally funded health care clinics that provide care to underserved populations, as well as other area hospitals, such as St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton and Sierra Vista, a mental health care facility in Sacramento.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

As future occupational therapists, students in Pacific’s program are committed to helping people in any way they can.

in the

of Health Sciences are making an impact in the community in innumerable ways.

Students hold donation drives throughout the year to provide supplies to Wellspring Women’s Center in Sacramento. The center offers food, counseling and other support to women and children. In the winter, they distribute self-care bags to people who are unhoused.

At the Oak Park Farmer’s Market held on Sundays near the Sacramento Campus, students educate vendors about occupational therapy and ergonomics and read to children.

Students also volunteer at COVID-19 and other immunization clinics organized by Pacific’s Operation Immunization team.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Students in the physical therapy program evaluate patients in their wellness clinic for a variety of conditions. They design wellness programs, which are carried out throughout the fall semester under the supervision of physical therapists.

A Matter of Balance clinics are held for senior citizens in the community, led by Associate Professors Preeti Oza and David Gillette. The program is designed to help participants improve their physical activity and reduce their risk of falling.

Since January 2021, they have worked with more than 80 people. Community members are also trained to become coaches and lead classes. Plans are in the works to expand the program to nearby cities.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Students in the physician assistant program are a vital part of a dedicated team operating immunization clinics. Working alongside students from the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, physician assistant students have distributed thousands of vaccines in San Joaquin and Sacramento counties.

Their work continued into fall 2022 with COVID-19 and influenza immunizations.

During their clinical rotations, some students have also directly cared for patients with COVID-19 in intensive care units.

? To learn more about supporting the School of Health Sciences, contact Lana Watts, lwatts@pacific.edu or 916.325.4656.

Pacific and Abbott expanding fight against diabetes

The global health care company’s philanthropic foundation, Abbott Fund, has committed $1.5 million for the 2023–24 academic year to address the shortage of health care workers providing diabetes care in Stockton.

Faith Allison ’22 has seen the severe impact of diabetes first hand through her own family members’ battles with the condition.

As a student in Pacific’s Master of Social Work program, she is working to change the narrative for the community: Nearly 60% of adults in Stockton have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

“Diabetes is a huge issue in the Black community,” Allison said. “I have family members who have faced crucial health issues in relation to their diabetes. Learning how to support them and navigate the resources that exist, as well as learning about the challenges of individuals with diabetes has been great.”

Allison is completing a sub-specialization in diabetes care and management to better understand how to help diabetes patients. As an Abbott Fund Scholar, she has also received a scholarship covering 50% of her tuition—“monumental” support for the first-generation college student.

“I was concerned about how I would pay for school,” Allison said. “When I found out there was an opportunity to apply for the Abbott Fund scholarship, it opened doors for me.”

The scholarships are intended to address the shortage of health care workers in the region. Abbott Fund Scholars commit to working in Stockton for at least two years after graduating.

Scholarships are also available to nursing students and will be opened to clinical nutrition stu-

Abbott Fund has committed

$1.5 Million

For the 2023–24 academic year

dents for the first time in the 2023 academic year.

“Registered dietitian nutritionists play an essential role in diabetes care by helping patients understand the crucial role diet plays in helping to prevent and manage the condition,” said Long Wang, chair and program director for clinical nutrition.

Pacific began its partnership with the Abbott Fund in 2019 when Abbott launched its Future Well Communities initiative, aimed at tackling diabetes in the most underinvested communities in Stockton.

The Abbott-Pacific collaboration also includes Diabetes Care Clinics (started in 2021) organized by the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and several other partners that provide medical transportation services, healthy food, diabetes care and management, one-on-one health coaching and health education.

The clinics allow pharmacy students and Abbott Fund Scholars to directly reach the community with health screenings and education and connect them to services provided through Future Well Communities partners and other organizations throughout the city.

Through their outreach, more than 700 underserved residents in Stockton have received comprehensive health care and social services.

Game-changing research

A NEW WAY TO TEST HEARING

Researchers at Pacific could dramatically change the way hearing problems are identified in babies by creating a new gold standard for testing in hospitals around the country.

Audiologists on Pacific’s San Francisco Campus are collaborating with a team from Stanford University to develop a method for testing speech processing in infants.

Most babies undergo a universal newborn hearing screening to test for hearing loss. But the screening doesn’t detect an important part of the equation—listening difficulties not related to severe hearing loss.

We’re trying to make that standard (test) better by detecting speech processing issues at the same time as hearing loss,” said Associate Professor Jiong “Joe” Hu.

Gabriella Musacchia, associate professor and chair of the Department of Audiology, explains the difference as hearing versus understanding.

For many children who have difficulties processing speech, problems are not identified until they’re between the ages of 5 and 7 when they start having issues in school.

About 3-5% of school-aged children have listening problems without hearing loss, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“The reason we’re working so hard on this is the earlier we identify the problems, the faster we can get intervention to the children,” Musacchia said.

The interest for Musacchia began when her own baby was born with jaundice, a condition in which newborns’ skin appears yellow.

“It turns out that babies with jaundice have a high chance of having language problems because the bilirubin (a chemical released by red blood cells), which is what makes them yellow, is neurotoxic,” Musacchia said.

Their research started in 2018 and included international collaboration with Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Nanjing, China, due to the country’s high rate of jaundice.

Pacific faculty members and al students visited China to examine infants and collect data. Anna Zhdamirova ’19 was a student during one of those trips.

“We tested (the babies) using a specialized method where you read their brainwaves in response to sounds,” Zhdamirova said.

A headphone was put on one ear, often as babies slept. “We put electrodes on the forehead and behind the ears, and that’s how you read the brainwaves,” she explained.

“What we’ve found is that infants who are at risk for developing these problems can be reliably identified with our new methods,” Musacchia said.

They are wrapping up testing and beginning implementation of the new method in a study with 100 infants at Stanford University’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Audiology Center headed by Matthew Fitzgerald, chief of audiology at Stanford Ear Institute.

It’s the last step before the new testing method can be implemented.

The research has been a collaboration among faculty, two Stanford faculty members and 20 Pacific students, with five doctors and two nurses from Nanjing contributing.

Faculty and students in the School of Health Sciences are engaged in innovative research directly impacting people and changing the way care is delivered.

About 3-5% of schoolaged children have listening problems without hearing loss, according to the National Institutes of Health.

They’re also working with Intelligent Hearing Systems, the company that makes the machines currently used for hearing tests, to make the process simple, requiring just a push of a button to do the additional testing.

Once the research is complete, Musacchia says they plan to work with universal newborn hearing screening boards to establish their method as part of the standard protocol for hospitals.

“This would be the new gold standard for hearing assessment,” Musacchia said. The testing would allow children with speech and language processing disorders to get much-needed intervention at a younger age.

FINDING ANSWERS FOR LONG-COVID PATIENTS

When Roy Park contracted COVID-19 in December 2020, the symptoms were mild, and he seemed to quickly recover.

A few months later things changed.

“I was very active before I got COVID. I used to work out six days a week. I was a swimmer. I was a runner. I lifted weights. So it was really shocking and scary to me that I couldn’t even go on a five-minute jog,” Park said.

Park developed debilitating fatigue, a common symptom of long-COVID. Even loading the dishwasher required a break halfway through.

Long-term effects from COVID-19 can take various forms and last weeks, months or longer. More than 100 million people worldwide are thought to have it.

As more cases emerged, Todd Davenport, professor and vice chair in the Department of Physical Therapy, realized he had some answers.

For the past 12 years, Davenport has extensively researched post-viral fatigue in connection with other illnesses. “What a time in history to have that expertise,” Davenport said.

Through his ongoing research, Davenport has found ways to help peo-

ple control their symptoms and improve their lives.

One strategy involves having patients wear heart rate monitors throughout the day to track their exertion levels in real time.

“It’s like a crystal ball on your wrist. It gives you an idea if you’re putting yourself at risk,” Davenport explained.

Other approaches have been developed to improve blood flow to the heart and control heart rate abnormalities.

He has plans to conduct more formal research but has already seen results with long-COVID patients, including Park.

“If I hadn’t talked to him (Davenport), I don’t know where I would be today,” Park said. “I think managing my heart rate and meditation helped a lot.”

Davenport has worked on making his research easy for clinicians to understand and has presented his findings nationally and internationally, including to the World Health Organization, in hopes of helping other patients.

“It’s so important to get this out,” Davenport said.

“The reason we’re working so hard on this is the earlier we identify the problems, the faster we can get intervention to the children.”

“I was very active before I got COVID. I used to work out six days a week. I was a swimmer. I was a runner. I lifted weights. So it was really shocking and scary to me that I couldn’t even go on a five-minute jog,”

GABRIELLA MUSACCHIA Associate professor and chair of the Department of Audiology

ROY PARK Patient

Growing demand

The rapid rise in health care jobs for graduates

As a student in Pacific’s physician assistant program, Nicola Juri ’19 was approached about job opportunities before graduation.

“There was so much demand that when we would go out into clinics and hospitals on our rotations, many places would try to offer you a position or say, ‘Would you consider coming back here when you graduate?’”

Juri now works in an urgent care clinic and as a regional clinical coordinator and adjunct faculty member at Pacific.

The job opportunities for physician assistants are growing—expected to increase 33% over the next five years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“There is high demand for the field, both clinically as well as educationally,” said Tracey DelNero, physician assistant program director. “About 98% of the students will have at least one, if not multiple, job offers by the time they graduate.”

Other professions in the School of Health Sciences are seeing similar demand. Employment in health care occupations is expected to grow 15% from 2019 to 2029, outpacing all other employment sectors. The need for health care workers is especially high in the Central Valley, where Pacific’s Sacramento and Stockton campuses are located.

An aging population has led to much of the demand and has been exacerbated by pandemic burnout. The pandemic also highlighted the need for more services in some fields.

“A lot came out about mental health and the need for social activity and interactions, and that’s what occupational therapists do,” said Natalie Perkins, chair and program director for occupational therapy.

During the pandemic, occupational therapists were able to expand services with telecare.

Other fields, such as athletic training, also have seen an expansion in the types of jobs available.

“The industrial setting has become popular,” said Thomas “TK” Koesterer, program director for athletic training. “Factory workers do the same job all day long, so they get a lot of overuse injuries. Athletic trainers in those settings can give corrective exercises to help them improve, but they also make recommendations for preventative exercises.”

Meeting the demand

Pacific has launched four new programs as part of the School of Health Sciences to train students in high-demand fields: clinical nutrition, nursing, occupational therapy and social work. A Doctor of Medical Science and Doctor of Health Science program is set to launch in 2023.

Other programs also have seen enrollment increases, including speech-language pathology.

“Our undergraduate program had a boost in enrollment this year, which is really great,” said Derek Isetti ’08, associate professor and chair of speech-language pathology.

“We had more than twice as many junior transfers come in this year as the year before.”

“There was so much demand that when we would go out into clinics and hospitals on our rotations, many places would try to offer you a position or say, ‘Would you consider coming back here when you graduate?’”

NICOLA JURI ’19 Physician Assistant graduate

Occupational therapy has also grown since it launched.

Overall, the School of Health Sciences has increased its enrollment 38% since it was founded in 2020 and is expected to more than double by fall 2025.

A $2.5 million grant awarded to the School of Health Sciences in September will expand opportunities for underrepresented students.

The grant is part of the Health Professions Pathway program, a state initiative intended to diversify the workforce. Pacific was one of only three private universities

among 20 organizations in the state to receive funding.

“This grant will allow us to build pipelines, increase access to health profession careers, enrich the student experience and ensure their success by returning to our communities a highly educated health care workforce that is representative of the population they serve,” said Nicoleta Bugnariu, dean of the School of Health Sciences.

The School of Health Sciences has another major expansion planned for the Sacramento Campus with the addition

of a new academic and clinical facility in strong collaboration with the Dugoni School of Dentistry.

The university will open the Pacific Health Care Collaborative (see related story on page 60) which will train students to work alongside other health care professions while providing comprehensive and dental health care services to an under-resourced area. It is one of the first of its kind at a university.

The new facility will be able to serve approximately 20,000 medical patients from across across the northern central valley region annually.

School of Health Sciences students celebrating commencement on May 20, 2022.

ARTHUR A. DUGONI SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY

New collaborative will bring visionary health care to Sacramento campus

University of the Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is working to change the face of Sacramento health care with an innovative teaching and patient care facility that will be one of the first of its kind at a university.

The Dugoni School is working in conjunction with the School of Health Sciences and the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy on a new clinical and academic facility on the Sacramento Campus designed to provide comprehensive health care services to the public, alongside integrated teaching and learning environments for students.

In addition to the integrated dental-medical care approach, the facility will serve as a safety net for vulnerable and underserved populations in Sacramento’s Oak Park and surrounding neighborhoods. It will offer patients preventive, acute and ongoing dental and medical care, conveniently located in one setting. Approximately 20,000 medical patients and 10,000 dental patients from across the northern Central Valley region will be able to be served annually.

Fundraising continues for the collaborative after a generous lead gift of $4 million from Stephen and Pamela Thorne. Stephen E. Thorne IV is the founder and CEO of Pacific Dental Services, one of the nation’s leading dental support organizations with more than 875 supported practices across the United States.

“Thanks to the generosity of Stephen and Pamela Thorne, we are a giant leap closer to our vision for equitable access to a collaborative delivery model focused on overall health for our community and training leaders for the future of health care delivery,” said Nader Nadershahi, dean of the Dugoni School of Dentistry. The Thornes’ gift was made to the Dugoni School and the work will include expansion of the school’s successful International Dental Studies program as well as programs

in the School of Health Sciences, such as the highly sought-after Physician Assistant program.

“Pacific Dental Services cares about supporting dentists and creating a perfect patient experience, but we also strive to mentor and assist the next generation of health care professionals to become the leaders of tomorrow,” Thorne said. “This new center will serve as the future of oral health and is an example of the dental-medical integration that will provide better health care to the patients who will utilize this amazing new facility.”

The clinical model, designed around value-based personalized care, will offer students who are training to be dentists, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, social workers and other health care providers the opportunity to learn and work together.

“We want to prepare our students for 21stcentury health care, which is a very collaborative approach,” said Nicoleta Bugnariu, founding dean of the School of Health Sciences. “Pacific is a leader in interprofessional education, and this new initiative will greatly expand opportunities for our students to learn from each other so they can provide patients the best care possible.”

University of the Pacific holds special significance to the Thorne family. Stephen E. Thorne III, the donor’s father, graduated from the university’s School of Dentistry in 1966. Two of Stephen Thorne’s brothers also are alumni.

? To learn more about supporting the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentisty, contact Jessica Jencek, jjencek@pacific.edu or 415.929.6422.

Stephen E. Thorne IV is the founder and CEO of Pacific Dental Services.

With the generosity of donors, Benerd develops new innovative approaches to support early career teachers

When Benerd College Associate

Professor Rod Githens was named the inaugural chair of the Alexandra Greene Ottesen Endowed Chair in 2019, no one could have predicted that a looming pandemic was about to rock education to its core, leading to teacher shortages and burnout among educators. But in many respects, the timing of the $2 million gift to establish the position, and Githens’ appointment as chair, have primed Benerd to respond to—and rise above—he challenges.

The generous gift from alumna and local philanthropist Alexandra “Lexi” Ottesen ’81 provides Benerd with resources to recruit and retain faculty who will advance innovative thinking through scholarship and solidify the school as a leader in the field of learning and curriculum design.

Lexi and her husband Peter have been long-time supporters of Pacific, establishing scholarships for veterans and students pursuing degrees in education and music. Lexi received her master’s degree in special education from Pacific in 1981 and taught at Stagg High School in Stockton where she was a beloved French instructor. The endowed chair celebrates her legacy and

passion for teaching—a passion that Githens also shares.

Since joining the faculty at Benerd in 2015, Githens has been instrumental in launching hybrid teaching and learning models, designing cutting-edge curriculum, and leading the expansion of Benerd’s programs on the Sacramento Campus. He also leads the school’s Organizational Innovation and Change program.

“This recognition has been a highlight in my career. It’s allowed me to reshape courses and create a new program centered on experiential learning opportunities for students in our graduate programs,” Githens said. “This year we’re expanding that work to build out professional learning services for teachers.”

Githens and colleague Belkis Choiseul-Praslin, assistant professor and program lead for teacher education, have begun to develop a new online program focused on professional development for early career teachers.

“The idea came to me while talking to students in our current graduate programs,” Choiseul-Praslin said. “Many of them would say, ‘I wish I knew this when I started,’ and we realized many educators aren’t

getting the professional development and support they need before they go into a classroom.”

Leveraging the expertise of faculty within Benerd, courses will focus on classroom and behavior management, virtual tools, and social-emotional learning in the classroom— areas of need that came sharply into focus throughout the pandemic.

“We want to provide teachers locally and across the state with the opportunity to get these lessons and work on those skills that will make the job a little easier, because we know it's not easy. It's a very hard and very needed job right now.”

Githens and Choiseul-Praslin will do a more formal assessment this year with graduate students in Benerd’s Leadership and Innovation educational doctorate program. Students will facilitate a human-centered design process by talking with and observing new teachers, interviewing experts in the field and researching types of teacher support. They’ll

Rod Githens, inaugural chair of the Alexandra Greene Ottesen Endowed Chair

work with Choiseul-Praslin to test potential approaches for the new program, which will include brainstorming, developing prototypes for the program and testing the prototypes with teachers. The goal is to engage students in the design process to help them cultivate a deep understanding of the challenges new teachers face and identify the best solutions.

“I think what Rod and Belkis are working on fits perfectly with our goal of enhancing educational opportunities and curriculum to meet the needs of students so that we can be a strong partner for them going forward,” said Patricia Campbell, dean of Benerd Col lege. “And I think that aligns exactly with what Lexi and Peter were thinking, that this significant donation would enhance educa tional opportunities in our community and provide experiential learning opportunities

COLLEGE OF THE PACIFIC

Students’ research has potential for life-changing results with donors’ support

Gabby Sonderegger’s ’23 dream job is to be a research scientist at a national lab.

The senior chemistry major may realize that goal based on her undergraduate research experience.

A 2021 recipient of Pacific’s John Stauffer charitable trust scholarship, Sonderegger worked on synthesizing molecular switches which have a potential use in cancer drug delivery systems.

“I’ve been doing research since my freshman year, and being able to start right away was amazing because I came from a high school that didn't really have a lab program,” said Sonderegger. “All of Pacific’s chemistry classes have a lab, so I was able to start from day one in a teaching lab and then from the second semester in a research lab. It's a huge amount of experience and opportunities.”

Tim Felthouse ’73 gave the final gift to put the John Stauffer Undergraduate Summer Research Endowment in Chemistry and Biochemistry over $1 million in donor commitments

Chemistry, including biochemistry, is one of the largest majors in College of the Pacific, the university’s largest school. But the number of students interested in conducting research far exceeds the available resources to fund stipends and equipment.

Alumnus Tim Felthouse ’73 recently helped change that equation.

Felthouse gave the final gift to put the John Stauffer Undergraduate Summer Research Endowment in Chemistry and Biochemistry over $1 million in donor commitments, a milestone that will greatly expand opportunities for students.

“This gift will ensure that students have the opportunity to follow their passions and

BY

contribute to life-changing research in the field of chemistry for generations to come,” said Felthouse.

Felthouse’s gift completes a challenge awarded by the John Stauffer Charitable Trust in which the trust would match donations up to $1 million from donors, resulting in a $2 million endowment funding student research in perpetuity.

Since 2017 the Stauffer endowment has funded summer research opportunities for undergraduate students majoring in chemistry and biochemistry, providing hands-on experiences that can give them an edge in the job market.

“This program can only happen because of the support of

others,” said Jianhua Ren, chemistry professor and department co-chair. “It provides a unique and wonderful opportunity that gives students hands-on experience they don’t have in a classroom.”

Andrew Chiang, a 2022 Stauffer grant recipient, used his stipend to research yeast and its enzymes that could lead to the development of inhibitors that target cancer cells.

“This summer had immeasurable personal and professional impact,” Chiang said. “Because I was able to do research, I am now more prepared for my future.”

When he was a student, Alec Follmer ’14 realized the need and worked with the professional

chemistry organization Alpha Chi Sigma to make the first gift to the endowment of $10,000. His parents, then newly-elected Regent Christopher “Kit” Follmer ‘78 and Cathleen (Hoffman) Follmer ’79, established an endowed scholarship to further support the Stauffer scholarships.

University alumni, faculty, staff and students have contributed more than 100 gifts ranging from $5 to $100,000 to match the Stauffer challenge grant.

? Support future research by making a gift to the Department of Chemistry online, or by contacting Shannon Mullett, smullett@pacific.edu, 209.946.2869.

GIFTS CONTRIBUTED

UNIVERSITY ALUMNI, FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS TO MATCH THE STAUFFER CHALLENGE GRANT.

New professional practice primes students for top music industry careers

The Conservatory of Music is amplifying students’ hands-on training to prepare them for multi-faceted careers in the music industry. Students in the Music Industry Studies and Music Management Programs are participating in a new professional practice initiative. They rotate through different aspects of the music business during the year, including marketing, event recording, venue management, streaming, distribution, licensing and more.

Amanda Singh ’23, a fourth-year music industry major, focused on venue management during the fall semester.

“I learned how to mic a stage for an orchestra, everything that goes into lighting, stage terminology, etiquette. It’s been amazing learning all these things,” Singh said.

Under the guidance of faculty, students apply their new skills by running Conservatory events to gain hands-on experience.

“Students will build their portfolio while they are with us,” said Conservatory of Music Dean Peter Witte. “This is an

opportunity for us to demonstrate all the career choices they have and how people in the arts make money.”

America’s creative sector economy is the third largest economic sector, surpassed only by health care and retail. It is projected to become $1 trillion, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Conservatory has made a substantial investment in the initiative to ensure students are well prepared for a wide range of careers before they graduate.

“There are many employment opportunities in the music business besides being a performer,” said Benom Plumb, associate professor and program director for music industry studies and music management. “If you know what you are doing, get your foot in the door and prove yourself, then there’s likely a job waiting for you after graduation.”

Pacific was the first university in Northern California to offer a Music Industry Studies degree and remains one of the few. Graduates have gone on to successful careers at industry-leading companies, including

Apple, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Capitol Records.

Adriana Aguayo ’22, a music industry studies major, graduated in May and began her job in August as coordinator of business and legal affairs at Universal Music Group for Interscope Geffen A&M Records, which represents some of the biggest names in the business, including Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish and Benny Blanco.

Aguayo credits her experience at Pacific for getting the job.

“You need an internship to graduate, and I was lucky enough to land a really awesome internship that gave me a lot of the experience that is benefiting me now,” she said. Her work ensures artists have the proper rights to use someone else’s music.

“It’s not a job I thought I would land right away because of how big the company is, but it’s been exciting,” she said.

? To support the Conservatory of Music, contact Molly Byrne, mbyrne1@pacific.edu or 209.946.2780.

EBERHARDT SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Eberhardt gains competitive advantage with sports analytics

University of the Pacific is poised to be a leader in sports analytics, an industry expected to grow nearly 30 percent in the next seven years to $12 billion.

Eager Eberhardt School of Business students and faculty and the university’s coaches and student-athletes have embraced a newly launched sports analytics specialization, which is part of the sports management program.

The sports analytics program was bolstered by a gift from Gordon and Anne Zuckerman in honor of Doug Eberhardt ‘59. The Zuckerman Sports Analytics Program Endowed Fund supports bringing professionals to teach and guest lecture, enhance curriculum and professional development and expand experiential learning opportunities.

Led by Associate Professor Pete Schroeder, who calls Pacific’s sports management program one of the best on the West Coast, sports analytics provides data that can inform a team’s strategy and a player’s performance.

Baseball Coach Chris Rodriguez last spring utilized data from 10 cameras positioned around Klein Family Field to capture player movement, defensive range, throwing velocity, base running and much more.

“These tools can make us a better team. Pacific has a chance to be one of the pioneers of sports analytics in college athletics,” he said. “I have talk-

ed with coaches at major colleges who have not heard of some of the innova tive things we are doing here.”

The cameras at the baseball field and other equipment are part of a partnership with data integra tion and visualization pioneer SMT (SportsMEDIA Technology). The com pany said Pacific can serve as a model for sports analytics programs at other universities.

“Pacific has generously opened its doors, and we anticipate great achievements through this unique alli ance,” said Cameron Adams, the com pany’s implementation lead.

“SMT’s goal is to work its technology in with programs so they can train stu dents how to use it,” Visiting Assistant Professor Rebecca Achen said. “They can graduate people to work with their professional organizations. The industry is growing rapidly.”

Schroeder and Achen are working with students to compile and analyze sports data, and foresee many appli cations of the technology in the future. In addition to player performance, an alytics can be used in marketing, event management and finance, and ex panded to other areas, Schroeder said.

“Analytics can help you determine how to make money at your venue or maximize and leverage your market ing,” Schroeder said. “There are so many applications for all business stu dents, and that makes the field exciting and promising.”

Other Pacific athletic programs have delved into sports analytics:

• Water polo student-athletes have used data-compiling virtual reality headsets during practices.

• Soccer players have worn devices during practice that track their movement on the field and provide data.

• The golf program has studied launch angle and spin rate of shots, along with strokes gained or lost from tee to green and other factors impacting players’ scores.

“I saw how all of the professionals are using golf analytics to help their games progress,” said student athlete Maverick Pavletich ’23, who recently played in the United States Amateur Golf Tournament. “Through analytics, Professor Achen teaches us how to take that data and put it into real life. There is no question that analytics make me a better player.”

Pacific’s sports analytics program has a potential feeder system with a class taught by Achen in the Pacific Summer High School Institute, a two-week residential experience for high school students that offers a range of academic programs.

“After last summer’s high school institute, we had high school students say they are already considering careers in sports analytics,” Achen said. “That is something I had not seen before from students of that age.”

? To learn more or support the Eberhardt School of Business or sports management program, contact Assistant Dean of Development, Thomas Whitcher, twhitcher@pacific.edu or 209.946.2477.

Justice Kennedy’s impact honored by donors

Becoming a United States Supreme Court Justice is one of the nation’s highest honors, and the opportunity to learn from renowned Justice Anthony M. Kennedy was a unique opportunity for generations of Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law students.

“Justice Kennedy is brilliant and was a great Justice,” said McGeorge alumnus Parker White ’80, husband of the late Regent and alumna Noël Ferris ‘79, after whom the law school’s modern courthouse is named. “He made constitutional law exciting and brought things to life.”

Justice Kennedy is McGeorge’s longest serving faculty member, having taught constitutional law and comparative free speech from 1965 to 2019. To honor the legacy of Justice Kennedy, White’s most recent gift of $150,000 ensures the lasting impact of the Kennedy Endowed Fellows Program with the creation of the Anthony M. Kennedy Endowed Fellow Scholarship Fund.

The Kennedy Fellows Program awards scholarships to JD students of exceptional academic ability based on their entering credentials. Recipients of this scholarship also join the prestigious “Kennedy Fellows” program originally founded in 1997 in honor

of Kennedy. They receive a full tuition scholarship and priority class registration.

The newly established scholarship fund ensures this program will provide student support in perpetuity by transforming the program into an endowed scholarship. This will enable the law school to recruit and retain the brightest students who will continue a long-standing tradition of excellence.

Michael Belote ’87, recently converted his estate gift to support the Kennedy scholarship fund. Belote was selected in 2021 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, California Capital Chapter as its Outstanding Philanthropist. The honor recognizes individuals with a proven record of exceptional generosity who have demonstrated both civil and charitable responsibility, and who have encouraged others to do the same.

“Learning from Justice Kennedy was a noteworthy experience during my time at McGeorge,” said Belote. “Very few lawyers get to say they were taught constitutional law by Anthony Kennedy.”

Justice Kennedy’s impact permeates the law school. The Anthony M. Kennedy Inn of Court, an organization of judges, justices, law professors, attorneys and law students dedicated to professionalism, ethics, civility and

excellence in the legal profession is located on the Sacramento Campus. The Inn has won more honors from the National Inn of Court than any other in the United States.

In 2021, McGeorge partnered with the community to promote the educational out reach of the Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Library and Learning Center. Housed in the Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse, the center’s mission is to foster respect for the rule of law and spotlight the independent ju diciary’s role in protecting the constitutional and civil rights of all people.

Additionally, thanks to a generous gift from the Angelo and Sofia Tsakopoulos Fami ly Foundation, the law school established the Anthony M. Kennedy Endowed Chair, which is currently held by McGeorge Professor Leslie Gielow Jacobs, an expert on First Amend ment law.

? To learn more about how you can support McGeorge students, visit Pacific.edu/Law/Giving or contact Casandra Fernandez, cfernandez@pacific.edu, 916.739.7214.

MCGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW

OUR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

New center surrounds engineering and computer science students with support

Students in Pacific’s School of Engineering and Computer Science (SOECS) have a new place to spend time and take advantage of a variety of resources as part of the school’s goal to ensure they have a top-notch experience.

The new Student Support Center opened its doors at the beginning of the fall 2022 semester. Located adjacent to the John T. Chambers Technology Center, the 5,000-square-foot building that formerly housed the university’s Human Resources Department features a tutoring center, lounge area and offices for student advising and the Co-operative Education Program (CO-OP). It is also the new home for the Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Program and the Tomorrow Project, two programs that prepare middle and high school students to pursue careers in STEM fields. The Support Center offers programs that truly span the stages of a student’s journey, from recruitment to career services, are co-located for the first time.

“We’re doubling down on the student experience,” said Dean

Elizabeth Orwin. The building, which also includes a small kitchen and food pantry, is open 24/7 to students, accommodating late-night study sessions following evening labs and offering commuter students a place to go between classes.

SOECS staff consulted with students on the arrangement of the Student Support Center’s space and its features, both to make the space useful to them, and to foster students’ responsibility for and ownership of the area. They see it as a place where students can gain leadership experience. The development of student-initiated study groups that meet in the Student Support Center is one way in which that vision is being realized.

Academic tutoring options are new, too. “We did a couple of student surveys last year,” said Orwin, “and the loudest thing we heard was more tutoring.” The new space has allowed tutors and graduate assistants to offer long drop-in tutoring hours in support of a plethora of SOECS classes, in coordination with the library’s

General Academic Tutoring Center.

“If students want to zero in on a specific concept, one-onone tutoring is offered,” said mathematics major Saul Hererra ’24. “There’s a tutor for everything from the simplest of math courses to the hardest engineering ones.”

The new building makes it easier for students facing challenges to locate staff who can offer guidance.

“Students are having a difficult time socially assimilating and reconnecting to the preCOVID structure of being on campus and attending classes,” said Nancy Elium, assistant dean for student support and academic advising. Colleagues’ proximity makes it easier for staff to respond immediately to students’ needs, to advise them and connect them with other services.

The closer proximity to students also has allowed the Support Center staff to gain deeper insight into “how students are processing their roles and responsibilities as a student, how they integrate personal, school and sometimes work

life, and how they navigate campus resources,” said Elium. And it enables them to help students develop the skills and habits that will facilitate their success both in college and in their professional and personal lives afterward—in short, educating the whole person.

“Right now, we’re in the process of building culture,” said Orwin. “The center will help us continue to build a culture where students are not afraid to try and fail, because failure is a part of learning,” said Orwin. The ultimate goal is to “provide a space for students to work together and share knowledge, and know that asking for help is part of the culture.”

? To learn more about ways to support the strategic priorities of the School of Engineering and Computer Science, contact Assistant Dean of Development, Dan Mackeben, dmackeben@pacific.edu or 209.946.2643.

THOMAS J. LONG SCHOOL OF PHARMACY

Pharmacy alumni driven to expand community access to health care services

The Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy will expand delivery of community health care services next year to include a mobile clinic van. This will enable students and faculty to expand delivery of health care services into the communities where it is most needed.

The van, funded in part by alumnus SeeYan Lam ’76, ’84, will provide immunizations, diabetes screening, blood pressure and cholesterol testing, among other services.

“Health care is a precious commodity, and there is a gap between underserved populations and access to care,” said Lam. “I hope the mobile clinic can cover that gap and provide the necessary education and services.”

Lam earned his PharmD and doctor of philosophy degrees at Pacific and has been a supporter of the programs since graduating. He credits his father for instilling in him the importance of giving back to the profession and community. He offered his support when he learned of the idea to expand Pacific’s health care outreach through a mobile clinic van.

Andrea Wamsley ’03, who earned a doctoral degree in pharmaceutical and

chemical sciences, also helped fund the mobile clinic van.

She has volunteered at every Pacific COVID-19 vaccination clinic since the first one in January 2021. Wamsley has been inspired by the overwhelming support from the Pacific community and alumni who represent a dynamic group of health care practitioners. It was interactions with students and patients that moved her to support the mobile clinic.

“While it is great to have the clinics at Pacific, we need to get into the communities where people are disenfranchised and underserved,” Wamsley said. “With the mobile clinic van, you can help pharmacists understand equity and health care across all levels and what it means to serve those communities.”

Lam and Wamsley value Pacific’s student-centered teaching environment and the hands-on experience they gained while they were students. “One of the best teaching tools is community outreach, and the mobile clinic will help students understand the scope of what pharmacists can do,” Lam said.

“Students who participated in the COVID-19 vaccine clinics had such invaluable

experiences. You cannot recreate that in any clinical setting,” Wamsley added. The mobile clinic van will have clinical space with a sink, counter space, shelving and a private exam area. The van also will be outfitted for use at immunization clinics.

? To support students at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, visit Bit.ly/SupportPharmacy or contact Susan Webster, swebster@pacific.edu, 209.946.3116.

A RaisingGlass

Making wine is becoming a modern miracle in California. From shifts in climate to historic droughts, supply demands and industry regulations, winemakers are tapping deep into their ingenuity, modernizing age-old practices into contemporary production. University of the Pacific alumni who have ventured into the vineyard business have a distinct advantage—a spirit of creativity, a passion for community and a bold vision—the values honed in their earliest college days that have shaped their paths. Whether business owners, former pharmacists or practicing dentists, these alumni now tend the land, producing prize-winning offerings in California wine country from Fresno to Napa and as far north as Oregon and Washington. Meet some of our alumni vintners who are crushing it.

Growers and Shakers

Ron Berberian ’65 | Bell Cellars

Ron Berberian ’65 simply wanted to make wine when he bought Bell Cellars winery in 2002.

Now he can’t stop thinking about his future plans.

“We’re putting in an outdoor kitchen over here,” he said, pointing to a spot on his stunning 8-acre estate vineyard. There are also remodeling projects in the works for tasting rooms and new fermentation vats.

“At the outset, I wanted to focus on wine. I didn’t want brick and mortar, and now I’ve got it all.”

And then some. The Stockton native joined his family’s alcohol distributorship after he graduated from Pacific with a business degree. He learned a lot about the industry. After 60 years in the alcohol and beverage distribution business, the family decided to sell all their California and Nevada distribution businesses.

Berberian said it was the best thing that could have happened.

He became chairman and president of Stockton’s Bank of Agriculture and Commerce (now BAC Community Bank), bought a Stockton Mercedes dealership and started a wine label with his wife, Dea Spanos Berberian. He partnered with Anthony Bell in 2001, acquiring the label and linking the business with distribution connections he’d established over the years. They grew the winery from there.

Berberian focuses on small production, specializing in the strong historic character of the Napa Valley, notably Napa Valley Cabernet. He keeps production around 10,000 cases annually, focusing on clone-specific cabernets.

“We love cabernet, and that’s what we do,” he said.

Sustainability is a key feature of the operation—Berberian believes being good stewards preserves the land and the quality of the fruit.

Berberian said the principles of commitment and community he learned at Pacific have guided all of his businesses. He believes firmly in taking care of his customers and giving back. “Put back into your community where you derive your livelihood.”

Berberian served as a regent for nine years (Dea is a current regent), and he credits the university not just with providing a business education but for helping him learn how to connect with people and be part of a larger system.

He talks with passion about Pacific’s next generation and offers advice for success: “Keep your eyes open. You never know where life is going to take you.”

It’s hard to pin down a cowboy.

But Jack Galante ’82 is firmly settled into winemaking, growing Galante Family Vineyards in Carmel into one of Monterey County’s most prosperous wineries and tasting rooms.

The family has a long history in the Carmel region–Galante’s great-grandfather founded the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea and he spent summers working at the family cattle ranch in Carmel Valley. Galante has brought his passion as a rancher into his business.

“When I started my winery, I was asked whether it would be styled as a chateau or a villa. I replied, ‘we are a ranch and we will always be a ranch.’ That lifestyle is in my blood.”

It’s also the reason that his vineyard’s logo sports three cowboys mounted on steeds, representing him and his two sons.

Galante credits his success as a

winemaker to his education at Pacific, where he received a bachelor’s degree in geology and liberal studies.

“Pacific gave me a well-rounded education and exposed me to many opportunities,” Galante said. “The university had a profound impact on my life. I had many experiences, including studying part of a semester in China. At Pacific, you learn inside and outside the classroom.”

After graduation, Galante spent a year preparing some of his family’s land for growing wine grapes. He then earned a master’s degree at Penn State and worked for almost a decade as an environmental planner specializing in water resource management.

“When my dad decided to retire… for a second time in 1991, I said that I would take over the vineyard and ranch operations. But I did not have any inclination at that time that I would actually start a winery.”

In 1994, Galante opened his namesake operation, using his own grapes to produce premium bottled wines. He sold the property in 2020, but continues to make his wine from the grapes from those vineyards and others they manage throughout the state. His focus is on Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals. He opened the first wine tasting room in Carmel in 2004.

His wife Dawn also started a winery in 2011 and runs a tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea, focusing on Burgundian varietals. Dawn’s Dream Winery supports nonprofit agencies that help at-risk women and children.

“She is passionate about her work. We have five wonderful, successful children,” Galante said, adding with a grin, “Our youngest daughter works with us as events manager. The other four have various occupations but they all like to enjoy our product!”

Galante embraces life as a scuba diver, skier, hiker and vacation buff. He and Dawn lead trips all over the world with their wineries. Recent excursions include hiking the French and Italian Alps, cruising around Iceland and fishing at a private island in Alaska.

His advice to students: “Life should be full of adventure. Your experiences help define you.”

Jack Galante ’82 | Galante Family Vineyards

When I started my winery, I was asked whether it would be styled as a chateau or a villa. I replied, ‘we are a ranch, and we will always be a ranch.’ That lifestyle is in my blood.

JACK GALANTE ’82

Owner, Galante Family Vineyards

Robert Bagdasarian’s ’74 favorite class while earning his degree at Pacific’s Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy was compounding—making drugs by hand when there was not a commercial alternative for a patient.

“It was nicknamed the weeds and seeds class. We learned how to extract things from plants and other nature,” Bagdasarian said.

“Little did I know that some of the skills I was learning would later help me as a winemaker.”

Bagdasarian is the owner of Kings River Winery, which was named 2022 Fresno County Winery of the Year by the Fresno Bee newspaper.

“I certainly found my niche with winemaking. I probably never will retire if I continue to love what I am doing this much,” he said.

Bagdasarian’s journey to winemaking was unique. His Armenian parents were farmers, and he and his brother also made wine when they were teenagers.

“My parents encouraged us to drink wine in moderation at the dinner table,” said the married father of five. “So I had a good idea about varieties of wine and an appreciation for what was available.”

He worked for a Rexall store during high school where his interest in pharmacy was sparked. After graduating from Pacific and serving in the Air Force, he owned a small Fresno pharmacy for almost a decade.

“I eventually started a business within my pharmacy focused on medical billing. It was very successful,” he said. “That allowed me to branch out

into some agriculture operations. I had grapes at that point, but not winemaking grapes.”

Another local farmer gave him a “very good price” on some of his land, which led Bagdasarian into winemaking full-time in 2012. He has four employees with his children opting for paths other than the family business, choosing careers in teaching, engineering and law.

Bagdasarian plants 12 varieties of grapes. His wines include sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon and various zinfandels, along with a host of boutique wines.

Bagdasarian calls the petit sirah “probably our signature and best wine.”

Kings River is one of a modest number of wineries in the area. There are 15 in Fresno County and another 10 or so in neighboring Madera County. Vintners work together to promote their offerings.

“We have a Fresno Wine Trail event that is held several

times a year and each one draws more than 1,000 people,” he said. “We also focus on events at Kings River. We do quite a few weddings and quinceañeras, and we recently bought a barn facility where we have other events.

“Fresno County does not get a lot of publicity, but there is some very good winemaking happening here.”

Bagdasarian’s advice to students is to follow their passions in life and livelihood.

“I personally have gone in several different directions professionally since graduating from Pacific. Do not be afraid to change and tackle new opportunities and challenges.”

Robert Bagdasarian ’74 Kings River Winery

Doug Yarris ’83 | hope & grace

A practicing dentist. And winery owner?

The correlation for Doug Yarris ’83 is the philosophy of humanism he experienced as a student at Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry that was embodied by the school’s late namesake dean.

Yarris instills it in his dental practices and in hope & grace, the winery he has owned with his wife, Tiffani, since the early 2000s. From Dugoni, Yarris learned the values of kindness and humility and a passion for people and community. “I remember the generosity of the faculty and thinking I wanted to carry that with me in everything I do,” he said.

hope & grace was the first tasting room in downtown Yountville. Its small unassuming space is warm and engaging, with paintings by local artists depicting bands creating a mu-

sical aura over the tasting bars and handful of tables.

The winery produces 3,000 cases a year, focusing on single vineyard, 100% varietal pinot noirs, cabernet sauvignons, malbec, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and dry riesling. Yarris carries on the tradition of hope & grace’s founding and full-time winemaker and partner winemaker and partner Charles Hendricks.

“Charles founding the idea and us being there at the right time, and all of us going in together. It was just a perfect mix,” Yarris said.

Still a practicing dentist with offices in the East Bay and Napa, Yarris can often be found with his family, in the community, or both. He donates and auctions bottles of wine for a multitude of causes, and raises funds for the dental school and its

nonprofit, Kids in the Klinic, which provides dental care for those who can’t afford it, and other organizations. He also volunteers in Dugoni’s clinics providing free services.

Yarris says succeeding in business, whether wine or dentistry, is about taking calculated risks, doing research and making the best decisions possible. His advice to students and new graduates: never stop learning. “If you can learn something new every day, you literally keep everything fresh.”

I remember the generosity of the faculty and thinking I wanted to carry that with me in everything I do.

DOUG YARRIS ’83 Owner, hope & grace

Gail Kautz ’58

Ironstone Vineyards

Gail Kautz ’58 says she was a country girl who happened to grow up in the city.

Raised in Oakland, Kautz has always had a passion for farming and the outdoors.

After earning her degree and elementary school teaching certificate at Pacific and working as a long-term substitute teacher, Kautz’s roots in a family farm learning to grow 40 different crops brought her to producing wine.

She donated to her community at charities and local events, but then said to her husband John, “let’s get serious.” They opened what became Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys in 1990, one of the first wineries in the area.

Today they produce wines across several varietals, including blends, a rosé and dessert wine. The Kautz’s four children are heavily involved in the business and share their parent’s love of wine, community and farming.

“My favorite part of owning Ironstone is the fact that we are growers of grapes,” Kautz said. “The end product of the grapes

is a wonderful thing, and having people come to the winery and enjoy that, that is very positive.”

Ironstone is also a popular venue that hosts concerts, fundraisers and other events, including the renowned Concourse d’Elegance. The annual classic and antique car show, which draws auto enthusiasts from all over the country, marked its 26th year in September.

The winery, event space and restaurant also boasts a unique museum that houses the world’s largest crystaline gold piece, weighing a daunting 44 pounds. The museum celebrates the Kautz’s passion for the earth and agriculture, which is equally matched by their generous donation of the largest collection of gems and rare minerals in Northern California, which is on display in Pacific’s Geosciences Center.

Years after graduating from Pacific, Kautz was invited back to serve as a regent. She says it was like returning home.

“I think University of the Pacific is a Stockton treasure. And it’s there for everybody to take advantage of, and to learn and enjoy.”

Kautz wants to continue producing wines and hosting events, growing her family business, and enjoying watching her children and grandchildren carry on the tradition. Her advice for herself and others: “Onward and upward!”

The end product of the grapes is a wonderful thing, and having people come to the winery and enjoy that, that is very positive.

Behind the Label

The Unique Journeys of Five Alumni Winemakers

Squire Fridell ’65

GlenLyon Vineyards & Winery

Squire Fridell ’65 was an extraordinarily prolific actor for four decades. Encouraged by a Pacific administrator during his undergraduate days, Fridell began acting in 1968 and became one of the last “contract players” at Universal Studios. Squire also appeared in more than 3,400 television commercials before retiring in 2008. Both his long-term contracts as Toyota spokesman and “Ronald McDonald” allowed him, his wife and baby daughter to move to Sonoma Valley in 1986. Since that time,

Steve Reynolds ’83, ’86 Reynolds Family Winery

Steve Reynold’s father was a wine aficionado, but not a winemaker. While Steve ’83, ’86, shared his father’s interest, it didn’t initially play into his career plans. After graduating from Pacific with a degree in chemistry, he attended Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry where he met and married his wife and started a clinic in the Stockton-Lodi area.

Jeff O’Neill ’78

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers

In September 2022, Jeff O’Neill ’78 was named Wine Enthusiast’s Person of the Year. The honor is a capstone to a 40year career in the wine industry where he currently serves as founder and CEO of O’Neill Vintners and Distillers in Parlier, Calif., co-founder and co-owner of Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma, and a founder of the Velocity Invitational vintage racing event. In 1985, shortly after graduating from the Eberhardt School of Business, O’Neill founded Golden State Viinters, which he sold to The Wine Group in 2004 and founded Vintners and Distillers.

His business is one of the largest producers of wine and spirits in California: it contracts with 150 winegrowers for 15,000 vineyard acres; its facilities crush more than 160,000 tons of grapes each year; and it produces more than 7 million cases of wine annually. O’Neill focuses on premiumization, using its large-scale production facilities to produce high-quality varietal-specific wines for clients and its own brands, including Line 39 Wines—named for the 39th parallel that cuts through California wine country. O’Neill has made sustainability a key tenet of his business, and in 2021, the winery received the Wine Institute’s Green Medal Leader award. In 2022, O’Neill Vintners received B Corporation certification, a private designation that showcases for-profit companies’ achievement of and commitment to “high social and environmental performance.”

Trips to the North Coast wine country with friends convinced Steve and Suzie to move to a century-old rundown chicken ranch in Napa and plant Cabernet Sauvignon vines. He planned to primarily practice dentistry and make small-batch wine in his spare time. But the hobby quickly became a fulltime job and after three years in Napa, Steve sold his dental practice. In 1999, the Reynolds Family Winery released its first vintage

with hand-pressed mustard flower labels. Now, the widely-respected business produces 7,000 cases annually, including the recent release of a Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon produced by Steve and his oldest son, Cameron, who recently became the winery’s national sales manager.

Stefan and Farrah (Felten) Jolley ’09 Klinker Brick Winery

Christine Hanna ’87 HANNA Winery

Christine Hanna ’87, began making wine with her father when she was a child, using grapes grown on their 12-acre Russian River Valley property. As she grew, the Hannas’ winemaking expertise matured, and the HANNA Winery launched while Christine was a student at Pacific. Following graduation, she began to work for the winery full-time, focusing on marketing and then management. In the years that have followed, Christine has increased the winery’s production 50fold, grown its distribution through a nationwide direct-to-consumer network, expanded the winery’s holdings to include 250 vine-planted acres and brought a renewed focus to the development of high-quality, small-batch wine made from estate-grown fruit. In 2022, two HANNA Winery wines— the 2021 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, and the 2017 Bismark Moon Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon—won the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition gold medals.

When Steve and Lori Felten decided to change the trajectory of their five-generation Lodi grape growing and vineyard management, they decided to name their winery after one of the distinguishing characteristics of the area. Klinker bricks are unusually dense, darkly colored and irregularly shaped bricks that resulted from being overheated. At first discarded, they became a signature of Arts and Crafts architecture, which can be found in historical areas of Lodi. Klinker Brick Winery’s signature wines are made from old vine zinfandel grapes, and their “rich, deep color, enormous density, unique and distinctive features,” they claim, match the characteristics of these bricks.

Steve and Lori’s daughter Farrah (Felten) Jolley ’09 and son-in-law, Stefan Jolley ’09, both graduates of University of the Pacific’s Eberhardt School of Business, are now the sixth generation of Felten-family wine-growers. They serve as Klinker Brick’s VP of Marketing and Sales and VP of Operations, respectively. In 2019, Klinker Brick Winery collaborated with Pacific’s Alumni Association to produce the first 1851 Tiger Vines private-label wine, a 2016 old-vine zinfandel. Two years later, Klinker Brick’s 2019 Grenache Blanc was included in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list.

Alumni Winery Directory

Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards

Todd Anderson ‘80

680 Rossi Road

St. Helena, CA 94574

ConnValleyVineyards.com

Barsetti Vineyards

Janis (Barsetti) Gray ‘72

400 4th Street, Suite #150

Galt, CA 95632

BarsettiVineyards.com

Bell Wine Cellars

Ron Berberian ‘65

6200 Washington Street Napa, CA 94558

BellWine.com

Bravante Vineyards

Nancy Bravante ‘80

300 Stone Ridge Road

Angwin, CA 94508

BravanteVineyards.com

Brigadoon Vineyards

Chris ’79 and Sheree (Hogsett)

Shown, ‘79

25167 Ferguson Road

Junction City, OR 97448

BrigadoonWineCo.com

Broll Mountain Vineyards

Belinda Broll-Wood ‘92

454 Main Street

Murphys, CA 95247

BrollWine.com

Calivines Winery

Steve Coldani ‘76 13950 Thornton Road

Lodi, CA 95242

Calivines.com

Canihan Wines

Bill Canihan Jr. ‘82 1340 Napa Road Sonoma, CA 95476 CanihanWines.com

Dana Campbell Vineyards

Paula (Campbell) Brown ‘82 1320 N Mountain Avenue

Ashland, OR 97520

DanaCampbellVineyards.com

Dysfunctional Family Winery

Ken Wornick ‘80 20680 Hyde Road Sonoma, CA 95476

DysfunctionalFamilyWinery.com

E2 Family Winery

Brett Ehlers ‘02 9301 W Highway 12 Lodi, CA 95242

E2FamilyWinery.com

Flora Springs Winery

Nat Komes ‘92 677 St. Helena Highway St. Helena, CA 94574 FloraSprings.com

Galante Family Vineyards

Jack Galante ‘82

Dolores Street

Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923 GalanteVineyards.com

Ghost Horse Vineyards

Todd Anderson ‘80 GhostHorseWorld.com

GlenLyon Vineyards & Winery

Squire Fridell ‘65 2750 John Hill Road Glen Ellen, CA 95442

GlenLyonWinery.com

HANNA Winery

Christine Hanna ‘87 9280 Highway 128

Healdsburg, CA 95448 HannaWinery.com

Heibel Ranch

Vineyards

Helen (Heibel) Nelson ‘63

Pope Valley, CA

HeibelRanch.com

hope & grace

Doug Yarris ‘83 6540 Washington Street Yountville, CA 94599

HopeAndGraceWines.com

Ironstone Vineyards

Gail Kautz ‘58

1894 6 Mile Road Murphys, CA 95247

IronstoneVineyards.com

Kings River Winery

Robert Bagdasarian ‘74 4276 S Greenwood Avenue Sanger, CA 93657

KingsRiverWinery.com

Klinker Brick Winery

Stefan ’09 and Farrah (Felten) ‘09 Jolley 15887 Alpine Road

Lodi, CA 95240

KlinkerBrickWinery.com

Lambeth Family Vineyards

John Lambeth ‘91

33912 S River Road

Clarksburg, CA 95612

LambethWine.com

Mayo Family Wine

Diane (Johnson) Mayo ’57 13101 Arnold Drive

Glen Ellen, CA 95442

MayoFamilyWinery.com

McCay Cellars

Michael McCay ‘89 18817 E Highway 88 Clements, CA 95227 McCayCellars.com

Mettler Family Vineyards

Kimberly Mettler-Eells ‘00 7889 E Harney Lane

Lodi, CA 95240

MettlerWine.com

Moffett Vineyards

Trent ‘92 and Colleen (O’Harra) Moffett ‘92, ‘94 Willamette Valley, OR MoffettVineyards.com

O’Neill Vintners and Distillers

Jeff O’Neill ‘78 101 Larkspur Landing Circle #350 Larkspur, CA 94939

ONeillWine.com

Oak Ridge Winery

Raquel (Maggio) Casity ‘95 6100 E Victor Road

Lodi, CA 95240

OakRidgeWinery.com

Page Mill Winery

Ome (Tucker) Stark ’54 1960 S Livermore Avenue Livermore, CA 94550

PageMillWinery.com

Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine

Paula Kornell ‘81 2963 N St. Helena Highway St. Helena, CA 94574

PaulaKornell.com

Peirano Estate Vineyards

Lance Randolph ‘75 21831 N Highway 99

Acampo, CA 95220

Peirano.com

Quiddity Wines

Greg Peiker ‘88 19510 144 Avenue NE, Suite C1 Woodinville, WA 98072

QuiddityWines.com

Ragtag Wine Co.

Deron Brewer ‘96 779 Higuera Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

RagtagWineCo.com

Reynolds Family Winery

John Reynolds ’83, ‘86 3266 Silverado Trail

Napa, CA 94558

ReynoldsFamilyWinery.com

Riaza Wines

Erin (Durst) Taylor ‘99 2441 S Stockton Street, Suite #1 Lodi, CA 95240

RiazaWines.com

Robert Young Estate Winery

Susan (Young) Sheehy ‘69 5102 Red Winery Road Geyserville, CA 95441 Ryew.com

San Pasqual Winery

Mike ‘76 and Linda (Leverenz) ‘77 McWilliams 8364 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa, CA 91942

SanPasqualWinery.com

Tierra Luna Cellars

Jose Hernandez ‘84 TierraLunaCellars.com

Tresspass Vineyards

Dana (Knox) Gallagher ‘81 St. Helena, CA

TresspassVineyard.com

Explore a Digital Map of These Alumni Vintners.

PEOPLE OF PACIFIC

One of the strongest distinguishing characteristics of University of the Pacific is its people. Scholars, scientists, artists and athletes, whether newcomer or emeriti, have a spirit of curiosity, a passion for leadership and a belief in what they do. Meet some of Pacific’s changemakers who are shaping the future in visionary ways.

Guillermo Barro and Elisa Toloba

The excitement has been unbridled for two University of the Pacific astronomers since the powerful James Webb Telescope was deployed in deep space and sent back stunning images of Earth.

“The James Webb Telescope is unlike anything we have ever seen, and the data it gathers are of such importance,” said Associate Professor of Physics Guillermo Barro, one of the team of scientists selected to study images from the telescope.

Assistant Professor of Physics Elisa Toloba, Barro’s wife, also watched the first images eagerly. It was an unprecedented day for the astronomer pair.

Barro said the James Webb Telescope is a “massive step forward” for space exploration.

“I cannot overstate how important the Hubbell Space Telescope was for the last 30 years,” he said. “But the Webb opens horizons for amazing discovery. The detail of the images is astonishing.”

Toloba will deepen her study of galaxy formation and evolution with a grant she was awarded from the National Science Foundation. She will train students in astro-physics research techniques, and they will put their skills into practice when they visit the two-telescope Keck Observatory near the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii.

“Astronomers have been waiting for years for a telescope like the James Webb to come along. Then to have it work so perfectly is game-changing,” Toloba said. “Now I have a grant to do research that is very important to me. This has been an incredible year for our family.”

Alan Budenz ‘00

When he began teaching part-time in the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Alan Budenz ’00 never planned to teach full-time, but the students and the Pacific family drew him in.

Nearly 30 years later, Budenz has helped shape dental education and the dental profession.

Budenz helped set up the Ryan White Faculty CARE HIV+ Clinic at Dugoni, which provides dental care for HIV positive patients. He has held numerous leadership roles at Pacific and beyond, and has given more than 300 presentations around the world on pain management and other topics.

His remarkable career was recognized this year with the Distinguished Faculty Award, the university’s highest faculty honor for outstanding teaching, research and/or service.

“He is a remarkable educator, scholar and servant-leader who models the very highest professional standards and commitment to the greater good,” said Nader Nadershahi, dean of Dugoni.

Laura Gutierrez

Laura Gutierrez, assistant professor and interim director of Latin American studies, had a high school teacher who discouraged her from enrolling in an advanced history class.

Gutierrez flipped the script when she was recognized for teaching excellence with a prestigious Phi Beta Kappa award from the Northern California Association. The award recognizes teachers who have made an impact on students as mentors or through engaging courses. Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s oldest academic honor society.

“She has a talent for making her students think deeply about issues,” said Jennifer Helgren, chair of the Department of History. “She’s also innovative, creating assignments that have included digital mapping of labor strikes and Wikipedia editing.” In her American Immigration class, students explored their family’s immigration histories.

“It was a beautiful way for them to understand the different ways of looking at archives and to understand their own lives,” said Gutierrez.

Makenna Brown ‘24

Makenna Brown ’24 stayed in her lane—literally—during a summer internship she views as an integral part of her civil engineering studies at Pacific.

Brown worked for Lane Construction in Seattle on jobs ranging from highways to water quality to tunnels.

“I worked on a project where they are building a storage tunnel for storm and sewer water since it rains most of the year,” Brown said. “In the field, I did quality control and learned from subcontractors and laborers. It is exciting to see contract drawings come to life,” Brown said.

Brown is in a dual-degree program, working on her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering.

“The blended program drew me to Pacific. Getting my master’s degree has always been a goal,” she said. “My professors have been very supportive.”

Bradley Davis

The name Bradley Davis is synonymous with women’s basketball.

Entering his seventh year as head coach and 17th season with the Pacific program, Davis’ career includes leading 12 all-conference players, including two-time WCC defensive player of the year Valerie Higgins ’21, who in 2021 was picked for the WNBA draft.

His current team has also impressed the WCC with Anaya James ‘25 and Elizabeth Elliott ‘25 named to the WCC All-Freshman team last year. Teammate Erica Adams was on the 2020-21 WCC All-Freshman squad.

Last year, Pacific had one of the youngest teams in the conference, which will pay dividends this year as 95% of the team scoring returns. Davis will count on the strong continuity of his coaching staff to help develop the talent.

Another payoff will be the return of fans to the Spanos Center. “We’re so fired up to welcome back fans after COVID, especially families where young girls get to see our women as role models,” Davis said. This year’s schedule will have more home games, and Davis is hoping to see the stands at full capacity.

Mock Trial Team

McGeorge School of Law students have won prestigious regional, national and international competitions, which have earned the school’s Mock Trial program a national reputation.

The program, which trains students in persuasive advocacy in the courtroom, is consistently ranked among the top 20 in the nation and was ranked #16 nationally for its Trial Advocacy program by U.S. News and World Report in 2022.

Dedicated leadership is behind its success. Formerly directed by long-time Professors Cary Bricker and Jay Leach, newcomer Annie Deets has taken on the role as director of trial advocacy and assistant professor of law. She is joined by Reza Rezvani, the newly hired associate director of trial advocacy and associate professor of law, legal practice.

The pair are focused on the continued pursuit of excellence. Students Alec Watson ’23, Mandi Weburg ’24, Holly Pounders ’23, and Darrin Baluyot ’23, coached by alumni Thien Ho and Keith Hill, won Region Three of the All-Star Bracket in October. Weburg was one of only two advocates out of 360 students nationally to receive an award for Best Advocate in all four rounds of the competition. Another group of students continued the winning streak taking the Annual San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association Mock Trial Competition in late October.

Larry Levine

An esteemed leader in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and beloved law professor, Larry Levine has served as the associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at McGeorge School of Law since June 2021 and the Gordon D. Schaber Health Law & Policy Professor of Law since 2020.

Levine joined the law faculty in 1985 and has been instrumental in civil rights advocacy.

He established McGeorge’s Jeffrey K. Poilé Memorial Civil Rights Endowed Scholarship in 2002, an LGBTQ+ civil rights scholarship that helps law students minimize their student loan debt. The scholarship is named after Levine’s life partner who passed away in 1992. The law school has raised more than $1 million for the endowment.

“Receiving the Poilé Scholarship bolstered my confidence, not only as a law student but also a community leader within the LGBTQ+ community,” said Maya Alexandria, a first-year law student. “It is truly an honor to learn from a tenacious LGBTQ+ advocate like Associate Dean Larry Levine.”

Levine helped launch SacLEGAL, Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ Bar Association. He previously advised McGeorge’s Black Law Students Association for 14 years and has advised the Lambda Law Students Association, an organization for LGBTQ+ students and allies, since 1996.

Melissa Yamanaka and Stan Constantino

Melissa Yamanaka and Stan Constantino are helping the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry increase its commitment to diversity as leaders of Dugoni’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee.

Yamanaka, diversity and outreach manager for the dental school, is chair of the committee, which is dedicated to ensuring positive outcomes for students of color and the underserved. Constantino, assistant dean for admissions, holds an advisory role on the committee, comprised of approximately 15 faculty, staff and students.

The committee’s recent successes include emphasizing diversity in onboarding new employees, improving communication with student groups and the creation of a committee called SAGA–Sexuality and Gender Alliance—to better serve the LGBTQ+ community.

Constantino noted the importance of recruiting, educating and graduating more dentists of color.

“We have increased significantly the amount of targeted recruitment we do to ensure we have a more diversified pool of candidates,” he said. “We are dedicated to diversifying the dental profession, and our committee is helping lead that process.”

Speech and Debate Team

University of the Pacific’s storied speech and debate team added another prestigious honor to its rolls: champion in the 2022 National Parliamentary Debate Association national tournament for the first time.

Pacific competed virtually against some of the best speech and debate programs in the nation, and, in addition to the national title, the team secured first place for season-long performance in the open division. They also won the top speaker award at the tournament.

“Capturing first overall is huge, because it validates the vision and structure of our team that values all students: scholarship recipients, walk-ons and transfer students,” said Director of Forensics Steven Kalani Farias ’09, ’11. “We talk about the team as a family, and this championship represents everyone pulling for each other.”

Pacific President Christopher Callahan said the speech and debate program’s rich history—dating back to the late 1950s—is a point of pride for the university, and provides tremendous learning opportunities for students from any major or program.

Kris Himmerick

Kris Himmerick, director of assessment and accreditation for the School of Health Sciences, received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Fellowship to conduct health workforce research in Ireland in spring 2023.

Himmerick sees the opportunity as a way to learn about approaches to health care in different geographic areas.

They will use their background as a physician associate to study how Irish-trained physician associates are being integrated into Ireland’s health system. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland initiated the first phy -

sician associate master’s program in the Republic of Ireland in 2016.

“The big question is what is happening outside of the urban area in the more remote hospitals,” Himmerick said.“ My project will be to go to those places and have those conversations with the surgeons and physician associates who are working together.

“I hope to build collaborations between Pacific and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland with visiting lecturers, shared ideas and opportunities for students,” Himmerick said. “I want this to be more than a research project.”

Tal Kalman ’22

Tal Kalman ’22 has been named one of the best undergraduate collegiate saxophone players in the country by Downbeat magazine, the leading publication for jazz music. He was also honored by Downbeat in 2020 for best arrangement and jazz soloist.

“It’s a tremendous honor,” said Patrick Langham, professor and program director for Jazz Studies. “Tal is one of the best students I have ever worked with. He’s extremely talented.”

Kalman grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at age four, adding the clarinet in fifth grade and the saxophone in sixth grade. In high school, he found his passion in jazz.

Langham recruited Kalman in 2018 to be part of the Pacific Jazz Ambassadors, a selective five-student performance group.

“It was great. It really felt like a community,” Kalman said, adding that they had a lot of time to explore, write and play music together. His experience at Pacific also inspired him to write music that fused Israeli and American cultures.

Kalman began a master’s program this fall at Manhattan School of Music. He eventually hopes to be a band leader and perform in Broadway orchestras.

Sahila Shah ’23

Sahila Shah ‘23 is a woman of distinction.

The marketing management student in the Eberhardt School of Business was one of six women—and the only undergraduate—honored at Pacific’s annual Women of Dis tinction awards, which recognizes leaders promoting gen der and racial equity.

Shah has been pushing for women’s rights since she was a child living in Pakistan. “Everything I did was cen tered on women’s rights and education rights,” she said. “Whether that was steering arguments with my teachers about inequities or fighting for a spot to be the first female student president in third grade.”

She has continued her activism since moving to Stock ton in 2010 working with area nonprofits and co-founding Eberhardt’s DEI Council.

A summer internship at Bloomberg in San Francisco solidified her desire to work for a company invested in diversity, equity and inclusion.

“I want to work for a company taking actionable initia tives to provide equitable opportunities for marginalized communities and investing in those communities,” she said.

Harley Lampkin ’20 believes music is a powerful tool for learning language.

“Songs can be a really important way to remember things,” Lampkin said, adding that music can also help people understand “how the language is really used within the culture.”

A childhood brain tumor made school difficult for Lampkin—until she found music. She now plans to use her experience to help students.

Lampkin, who majored in vocal performance, was selected for a Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Award to teach English in Magdeburg, Germany, from September 2022 to June 2023.

“It wasn’t until I found music and had all these opportunities to sing in Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry (in high school) that I really started being interested in school, and I started fostering a belief in myself,” Lampkin said.

For the past two years she has worked with City Year in Chicago, part of AmeriCorps, developing music programs and activities for elementary and middle school students in low-income schools.

Harley Lampkin ’20

Staff Advisory Council

Kyle Harkness (pictured at left) has a request for all Pacific staff members: get engaged.

A double alumnus who met his wife as a student, Harkness ’05, ’13 will tell you he is a “Pacifican for life.“

Now chair of the Staff Advisory Council, Harkness and his team are working to cultivate the same sense of belonging among staff members.

The council provides a voice to staff, promotes development opportunities and supports community-building activities.

“We want to make everybody feel like they are part of the Pacific family,” Harkness said. “I hope to be a steward for the great leadership that’s come before me and carry that torch on to the next set of great leaders.”

Members of the 2022-23 Staff Advisory Council executive board include: Chair-elect, Shawn Kerns ’10 (Pacific Technology); Secretary Kaitlyn Goslinga ’17 (financial aid); Treasurer Eric Shepherd (pharmacy); Co-communications, Margaret Roberts ’17, ’22 (Eberhardt School of Business) and Daniel Shaw (career services).

ASuop: Associated Students of University of the Pacific

Pacific’s student government President Guiyang (Angel) Zhong ’23 (pictured at left) wants students to know they have an advocate.

“Being able to hear students out and know I can do something about it is a really empowering feeling,” says Zhong.

ASuop works closely with the Division of Student Life and other university leaders to ensure students’ voices are heard. In February, they conducted a survey to get feedback on students’ Pacific experience. Through social media channels and a biweekly newsletter, they keep students informed of activities and initiatives. ASuop also has funding available to support student organizations, which students can request for experiential learning opportunities, or professional meetings and conferences.

The arts and entertainment board plans a comprehensive calendar of events and activities from concerts, lectures, festivals and film series to offcampus trips.

“Being a part of ASuop really helped me break out of my shell, to know myself and like myself more,” said Zhong.

Other members of the ASuop board include: ASuop Vice President, Brooke Hân Tran; Chief of Staff, Daneli Santillan; Director of Finance, Alice Zhang; Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Jose Flores-Jimenez; Director of Arts and Entertainment, Margarita Kuranova; Director of Strategic Marketing, Salma Zaman; Director of Communications, Jami McClenahan; President Pro-Tempore, Lorenzo Spaccarelli; Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Reese Romero.

Pacific Alumni Association

The volunteer officers of the Alumni Association’s executive board have depth of experience, a range of expertise and an unparalleled passion to help Pacific advance its priorities. The board is focused on increasing alumni engagement at Homecoming and in regional and affinity chapters; 100% board participation in the 24-hour online fundraiser; Pacific Gives; and honoring alumni and faculty through their signature award events. Simultaneously, they are focused on engaging students to become the next generation of alumni leaders, offering the same guidance, support and commitment to the students who come after them.

2022-23 Pacific Alumni Association Officers include: President, Julian Toro Solis ’08, ’10 (pictured at right); Immediate Past President, LaNor (Miller) Smith ’86, ’87; PresidentElect, Allan Hardcastle ’77, ’79; Vice President, Greg Aghazarian ’93; Vice President, Amber Darby-Glaenzer ’12; Vice President, Joshua Foster ’08; Vice President, Dave Frederickson ’66; Vice President, Carol Hirota ’77, ’79; and Vice President, Leedjia Svec ’01.

Academic Council

Shika Gupta (pictured at left) began teaching at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry immediately after graduating from its International Dental Studies program in 2007 and has been there ever since. The school felt like family the moment she walked through the doors. “There was such a buzz,” she said.

She is now focused on fostering that deep connection among faculty as chair of Academic Council, the university faculty governance organization, which recommends policy concerning curricular, faculty and other academic issues.

For the 2022-23 academic year, Gupta is focused on building “humanistic collaboration” among faculty on all three campuses.

“It’s really important for the greater good of the university and for our students that we all work together,” Gupta said.

The council has already made a substantial impact by initially approving new courses and programs, including three online graduate programs: Masters of Business Administration, Cybersecurity and Business Law. The programs were given final approval by the Board of Regents.

John Mayberry (Mathematics) is chair-elect and Paul Subar ‘09 (Dugoni) is immediate past chair. Other members of the executive board are William Herrin (Economics), Abel Fernandez (Engineering), Gabriella Musacchia (Audiology) and Macelle Mahala (Media X).

GAME CHANGER

Pacific’s national powerhouse men’s water polo program is taking a leap forward as the West Coast Conference announced the addition of the sport beginning with the fall 2023 season.

Men’s water polo is an iconic sport at Pacific—the university is often referred to as “Water Polo U.” Pacific President Christopher Callahan and Department of Athletics lead-

ADDS MEN’S WATER POLO

ership helped lead the push for the WCC to start men’s water polo. Pacific, Pepperdine and San Jose State will join the WCC from the Golden Coast Conference. Air Force, California Baptist, Loyola Marymount and Santa Clara will move from the West-

ern Water Polo Association. All seven teams were ranked in the Top 25 nationally last season.

The Tigers were national runner-up in the 2019 NCAA Tournament, which was hosted on the Stockton Campus. Pacific also advanced to

the final game in the 2013 championship, losing a double-overtime contest to USC.

“Game changing would be an understatement,” said Head Coach James Graham. “This is monumental for not only Pacific men’s water polo, but collegiate water polo. To be able to have the WCC as an official men’s water polo conference is absolutely huge.”

Graham praised Director of Athletics Janet Lucas, Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Operating Officer Wes Yourth and Pacific President Christopher Callahan for leading the effort to bring water polo to the WCC.

“We have the best coach in the nation and some of the very best players in the world,” the president said. “We are thrilled that water polo will now be in our primary athletic conference and we are looking forward to hosting our rival WCC teams.” Pacific competes at the Chris Kjeldsen Pool at the Douglass M. Eberhardt Aquatics Center.

Based on the final 2021 national rankings, the WCC will be one of the top conferences in the country. Pacific finished No. 7 nationally, with fellow WCC members, No. 10 Pepperdine, No. 14 Loyola Marymount and No. 23 Santa Clara, finishing in the top 25.

“This has the potential of not only being the strongest conference in the country, but hopefully the other WCC schools without men’s water polo will consider adding men’s and women’s water polo programs now,” Graham said.

OLYMPIAN MARIANA DUARTE AN ALL-AMERICAN IN FINAL YEAR

Mariana Duarte ’22 experienced Olympic competition in her home country of Brazil en route to graduating from Pacific with a degree in finance.

In addition to graduate and Olympian, Duarte sports another title: All-American.

The water polo standout was named a Division I honorable mention All-American by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches for the 2022 season. She also was Pacific’s nominee for NCAA Woman of the Year.

Duarte successfully juggled her schedule with international play, college competition and her studies.

“Mariana has been a cornerstone for the program for years. She exudes what it means to be a Pacific Tiger,” said Head Coach James Graham.

Duarte earned first-team all-league honors and was named to the all-tournament team. Tallying a career-high 63 goals in the 2022 season, Duarte became the fourth alltime scorer at Pacific with 214 goals.

A native of Sao Paulo Brazil, Duarte competed in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. She played in six Olympic games and scored goals against the United States and Australia.

“I am very grateful for the honor, but I could not have done it without a supportive staff and teammates,” said Duarte. “Pacific not only made me a better player, but also a better person.”

Former Tiger Luke Pavillard takes charge at Chris Kjeldsen Pool.

MAJOR MOMENT

Three Tigers selected in Major League Baseball Draft

Three Pacific baseball players were selected in the 2022 Major League Draft, adding to an impressive roster of 13 former Tigers who are now professional players.

Thomas Gavello was selected in the 13th round by the San Francisco Giants, Hunter Hayes was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 16th round, and Elijah Birdsong was chosen in the 18th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“I could not be happier for Tommy, Hunter and Elijah,” said Head Coach Chris Rodriguez. “These three exemplify what it is to be a Tiger. I know they are ready for the challenges ahead.”

Gavello joined the Giants after leading the Tigers in home runs (11) and RBIs (31).

Though Gavello played the infield, he was selected by the Giants as a catcher.

“The hard work from the coaches, staff and the support from my teammates will not be forgotten,” he said. “Pacific will always have a warm spot in my heart.”

Hayes was drafted by the Cardinals as a starting pitcher. The right-hander led the Tigers in starts, innings pitched and strikeouts. He was one of 13 pitchers selected by the Cardinals.

“To have my hard work come through and my childhood dream fulfilled is surreal,” he said. “I am excited to get to work and prove myself.”

After coming back from Tommy John surgery, Birdsong was the Tigers’ opening day starter. He had nine starts with 37 strikeouts in 44 innings.

“The accomplishment of getting drafted is humbling and a true blessing,” he said. “This is the beginning of fulfilling my dream to play major league baseball.”

ELIJAHBIRDSONG

FAMILY MATTERS FOR TIGER VOLLEYBALL MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS

They won two national titles and advanced to the national semifinals seven additional times in the 1980s and 1990s.

Now in 2022, Pacific’s storied women’s volleyball team is continuing its legacy through three players who are the daughters of the former Tiger standouts.

Junior Alexa Edwards, sophomore Jenna Heller and red-shirt freshman Sam Sublett are finding success in their own right.

Edwards was named to the 2021 All-West Coast Conference First Team, Heller was named to the 2021 West Coast Conference all-Freshman Team and in high school Sublett was a member of the three-time undefeated Valley League champions in Los Altos.

“In each case, I recruited the student, not to follow in their mother’s footsteps, but to write the next chapter,” said Head Coach Greg Gibbons. “Once they got here, they experienced the family feeling their mothers had described to them. Now they see what makes this program special and they share a new bond with their mothers.”

Edwards’ mother, Cathy Lumb-Edwards ‘84, ‘91, played for the Tigers from 1980-83, helping advance the team to its first NCAA semifinal in 1981. She served as a graduate

assistant for Pacific’s 1986 NCAA national championship team.

Heller’s mother, Melanie Beckenhauer-Heller ‘91, was a two-time All-American in volleyball, playing from 1988 to 1991. She was on the 1990 team that was the first to return to a championship game since the 1986 title, finishing as national runner-up.

Sublett’s mother, Leona Bielefeld-Sublett ‘89, was on the team from 1985 to 1988, helping the Tigers win national championships in 1985 and 1986.

The student-athletes benefited from their mothers’ prowess.

“Volleyball has played a huge role in our relationship,” Edwards said. “She knows the game so well that I really appreciate the advice and constructive criticism she gives me. I know it is coming from a good place as my mom and a former player.”

While their mothers have influenced their volleyball careers, the student-athletes’ decision to attend Pacific was their own. They credit the coaching staff, strong traditions and family-oriented environment.

“I love how close we all are,” Sublett said. “It didn’t take much for us to become like family. We’re even close to each other’s

moms, and the alumni base here is solid. I think that’s one of the best parts of the team.”

Alexa Edwards’ mother had the same feeling when she visited Pacific on a recruiting trip.

“It was incredibly warm and inviting,” she recalled. “My parents saw that back in the 80s for me when I was a student, and I definitely see that for Alexa. The coaching staff, the team and you are part of a family.

“I still am connected with alums, not only from my year, but different years. We share a bond, and you don’t see that in a lot of programs across the country,” LumbEdwards said.

The close ties between former Pacific players were recognized at a special October event. Three dozen alumnae volleyball players—and three former Tiger head coaches— gathered for a Homecoming reunion to celebrate the program’s competitive excellence and close-knit nature.

“Pacific is an amazing place to play and coach with its strong family atmosphere,” said John Dunning, the renowned coach who led the Tigers to 1985 and 1986 national championships. “The things Pacific athletes learn here stay with them throughout their lives.”

Volleyball Reunion at Homecoming 2022

LEGEND

COMES

HOME

Pete Carroll ‘73, ‘78, ‘22, returns to his alma mater to be honored for his lifelong achievements and pay tribute to Pacific’s football legacy.

The rich history and tradition of football at University of the Pacific was marked this year by iconic alumnus and Head Coach of the Seattle Seahawks Pete Carroll ‘73, ‘78, ‘22, receiving an honorary doctorate and the unveiling of a new outdoor football plaza on the Stockton Campus.

The honorary doctorate was the third degree for the Super Bowl-winning coach who largely credits two professors for guiding him to his bachelor’s in 1973, his master’s in 1978, and his lifelong success.

“It was Larry Meredith, Glen Albaugh and the other professors I had a chance to meet and be influenced by who opened the doors to higher education…They have changed my life and remain influential today,” Carroll said. “They were crucial to my development and were a big part of helping me along the way.”

Carroll played free safety in 1971–72 at Pacific, earning All-Pacific Coast Athletic Conference honors both years. He is one of only three football coaches who have won both a Super Bowl—with Seattle in 2013— and a college football national cham-

“IT WAS THE PROFESSORS I HAD A CHANCE TO MEET AND BE INFLUENCED BY WHO OPENED THE DOORS TO HIGHER EDUCATION… THEY HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE AND REMAIN INFLUENTIAL TODAY. THEY WERE CRUCIAL TO MY DEVELOPMENT AND WERE A BIG PART OF HELPING ME ALONG THE WAY.”

pionship with the University of Southern California in 2003 and 2004.

Carroll also founded Amplify Voices, a social justice media platform that produces podcasts, documentaries and books dedicated to championing diverse and caring voices.

His career at Pacific is among those highlighted in the new Stagg Memorial Football Plaza exhibit.

The unveiling was part of a football reunion weekend that brought together 250 former players, coaches, fans and community members who recalled the halcyon days of Pacific icons such as Amos Alonzo Stagg, Eddie LeBaron ’58, Dick Bass ’59 and Tom Flores ’58.

“The strong feelings we have about Pacific football endure,” said

Carl Kammerer ’61, who played nine years in the NFL as a lineman.

The football project was chaired by Carroll, former player and two-time athletics director Ted Leland ‘70, ‘74, and former Pacific Athletics administrator Cindy (Bava) Spiro ‘76, ‘84.

Below: Carroll reconnects with longtime faculty mentor and friend, Professor Emeritus Larry Meredith.

To make a gift for the plaza and to help continue the legacy of Pacific football, contact Tim Dickson ‘98 at tdickson@pacific.edu, 209.946.3177 or visit JoinPAF.org.

Above: Pete Carroll ‘73, ‘78, ‘22 accepts an honorary doctorate degree during Pacific’s 2022 Commencement ceremonies in May.

PETE CARROLL ‘73, ‘78, ‘22

ANNIVERSARY OF TITLE IX

The growth and prosperity of Pacific women’s intercollegiate athletics since the passage of Title IX in 1972 was due to the trailblazing efforts of Doris Meyer and Cindy (Bava) Spiro ’76, ’84.

Meyer joined Pacific in 1956 as a professor in health, exercise and sport sciences and later also worked as an advisor and coach until her retirement in 1990. She was the recipient of a Faculty Mentor Award in 2018. Spiro was a student-athlete, administrator, marketer, fundraiser and advocate.

Both were highlighted this year during the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.

Meyer had a huge challenge early on: determining how to implement the new law.

“Title IX has helped women in many ways, particularly those athletes who can now do things that their grandmothers never thought

possible,” said the professor emerita. “I think if there’s any carryover, it is that young people will perhaps have an understanding of what led up to it, not just historically, but emotionally.”

Added Spiro: “It was like I had the chance to be the first of everything, and that was cool. I love to be a change agent.”

Their efforts paved the way for former female athletes such as Elaina Oden ’90, who led Pacific to two national volleyball championships, and by leaders such as Pacific’s Director of Athletics Janet Lucas.

Oden was an All-American who led Pacific to NCAA national volleyball championships in 1985 and 1986 and earned a bronze medal playing for the United States in the 1992 Olympics.

Specialized training equipment, nutrition counseling and other resources that are now common in women’s college athletics were absent in the years after Title IX was enacted, Oden said.

“It was the wild, wild west. Twenty-five-year-old guys were getting head coaching jobs. Players had to weigh in. Training could last six hours.” She said eventual rule changes and guidelines made it “a much friendlier place for women to play.”

Lucas said she watched a tremendous amount of tennis and basketball growing up and praised role models.

“For women in tennis, it would be people like Billie Jean King and Virginia Wade,” Lucas said. “There were a lot of males in the world of tennis who I respected, too. In college basketball, I got to watch Tom McMillen of the University of Maryland and his whole NBA career. He was a champion for equality.”

Lucas said the path to becoming an NCAA Division I director of athletics was not always easy.

“Along the way I had a lot of aha moments,” she said. “There were many people at the forefront who led the way and helped us.”

Above: Coach Doris Meyer with Pacific women’s swim team in 1971.

Right: Cindy (Bava) Spiro ‘76, ‘84 photographed for a Title IX story in a 1980 Pacific Review magazine.

Bottom: Director of Athletics Janet Lucas (number 15), poses with her basketball team at Wake Forest University.

Title IX has helped women in many ways, particularly those athletes who can now do things that their grandmothers never thought possible.

Right: Elaina Oden ‘90 celebrates with teammate circa 1985.

Doris Meyer Professor Emerita

QUITE A RACQUET

Pacific students capture national championships

Annie Roberts ’24 and Alondra Canchola ’25 say fate brought them together at Pacific, where they proudly sport the title of national collegiate racquetball champions.

Roberts took first place in the No. 1 Gold division, comprising of the top singles players from all universities entered, in the National Intercollegiate Racquetball Championships in Tucson, Arizona. She also teamed with Canchola to win the No. 1 Gold doubles championship.

“We played together on the junior national team and it worked out that Pacific is where we both wanted to attend college,” said Roberts, a native of Portland, Ore. “It is a great honor to win national titles while representing Pacific.”

“It is great to play against people from all over the country and even from around the world,” added Canchola, a Stockton native. She also finished third in No. 2 Gold singles.

Canchola said people do not realize there is a racquetball court at Baun Fitness Center on the Stockton Campus, which they use occasionally. Their practice mostly is held at a health club in Stockton, under the tutelage of their coach Dave Ellis, who has helped groom several national champions and has coached U.S. national teams.

Roberts, a third-year student majoring in health, exercise and sports sciences, played in her first tournament at age 12 and has focused entirely on racquetball as an athlete.

“I love the sport and have put my total effort there. It has been rewarding, with experiences such as representing our country in competitions.”

Canchola, a second-year student who is majoring in actuarial science, plans to stay involved in the sport “for a long time” and cherishes the opportunities and experiences.

“It really changed my life playing on the junior United States team and representing my country,” she said. “I am planning to keep playing into adulthood. Racquetball affords you many opportunities to travel and meet people.”

I love the sport and have put my total effort there. It has been rewarding with experiences such as representing our country in competitions.

ANNIE ROBERTS ’24 Health, Exercise and Sports Science student

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The classroom excellence of University of the Pacific’s student-athletes continued during the 2021-22 school year with 46 Tigers honored by the West Coast Conference with All-Conference academic status.

Twelve Tigers were selected first team WCC All-Academic and 34 were honorable mention honorees.

Pacific student-athletes also had an overall gradepoint average of 3.21 for the academic year—3.17 in fall semester and 3.26 in the spring.

Alondra Canchola ’25 (left) and Annie Roberts ’24

Historic Campaign closes, opening doors for

University of the Pacific completed its $300 million Leading with Purpose campaign, fueled by one of the best fundraising years in the 171-year history of California’s first university. The campaign, which officially closed June 30, 2022, brought in more than $317 million from nearly 23,000 donors giving more than 66,000 gifts. This year saw $38 million in contributions, the third-best fundraising year in university history.

“Pacific students today and in the future will benefit enormously from this inspiring generosity, which has created scholarships, new faculty positions and cuttingedge learning and research facilities across all three of our campuses,” said President Christopher Callahan.

Burns Tower was aglow with fireworks at the official opening of the Leading with Purpose campaign in 2017.

The Family

Campaign co-chairs Tony Chan ’77 and Virginia Chan ’77, and son Jonathan ’09 and daughter Megan ’13, have left an indelible mark on the university’s three campuses.

The Chan Family Health Education Building on the Sacramento Campus, the Jonathan and Megan Chan Rotunda on the Stockton Campus and the Chan Family Reception Area on the San Francisco Campus are three of 10 facilities that have the Chan name.

Following the example set by the Chan family, campaign gifts allowed Pacific to build and renovate 17 facilities, including the William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center, which features the John and June Rogers Atrium, a digital makerspace and a meditation and prayer area. The library renovation alone resulted in a 52% increase in student study space and a renewed focus on student services.

“It has been an honor to be the co-chairs of this campaign that started exactly four decades after our own Pacific story began,” said Virginia Chan. “We are incredibly inspired by the generosity shown by the Pacific community, and we look forward to seeing the impact this campaign will have on the future.”

“Tony and Virginia are inspirational leaders,” President Christopher Callahan said. “They demonstrate their love of Pacific, through their tireless service to the

university, their own extraordinary generosity and by encouraging so many others to support Pacific.”

Student Impact

More than $46 million was generated in endowed scholarship support for students. Guadalupe Reyes ’22, a scholarship recipient and School of Engineering and Computer Science graduate, described the impact of scholarship support.

“Receiving this scholarship has supported the completion of my education,” Reyes said. “It also allowed me to take advantage of several opportunities during my time at Pacific.”

Avery Whipple ’23, a Powell Scholar and student athlete, described the scholarship support as a catalyst for giving back to others.

“Because of your generosity and the people and programs here at Pacific, I will be able to pursue my dream of attending medical school and becoming a pediatrician,” Whipple said. “When my dreams do become reality, I am excited that I will be in a position where I can give back what has been given to me.”

Campaign Focus

Academic Programs of Excellence and Relevance: Creating the best academic programs for the needs of future citizen-leaders and adapting to the ever-changing landscape.

Student Access and Success: Opening doors for students of all backgrounds through scholarships, fellowships and opportunities that make a Pacific education affordable and attainable.

Building Communities: Proving every day that social and economic challenges can be answered when people are willing to listen to one another and work together. The Pacific ethos of service reverberates throughout Northern California and extends around the world.

Athletic Achievement: Providing our scholar-athletes with the resources they need to be successful in the classroom and in competition, exemplifying Pacific’s values of performance, integrity and teamwork.

Pacific launched the public phase of the campaign during a special celebration at Homecoming Weekend in October 2017 before 2,000 alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends. This October, Pacific celebrated the campaign close during Homecoming Weekend.

The latest campaign comes 100 years after the completion of another historic fundraising campaign. The June 21, 1922, edition of The Stockton Record reported that an early fundraising effort–created to bring the College of the Pacific from San Jose to Stockton–had reached its $600,000 goal. Pacific moved to Stockton two years later.

The multi-year effort included more than 12,000 first-time gifts from alumni, parents, friends, students, faculty and staff. The campaign also was bolstered by nearly 26,000 gifts under $100, underscoring the significant impact of every donation, regardless of size.

“Participation was a distinguishing factor of this campaign,” said Scott Biedermann '05, '20, vice president for development and alumni relations. “Every gift at any level directly helps our students succeed. What we have achieved collectively as a community, raising more than $317 million, is nothing short of remarkable.”

AVERY WHIPPLE ’23 Powell Scholar and student athlete

Leadingthe

? To learn more about how you can support Pacific students, visit Pacific.edu/MakeAGift or contact Scott Biedermann, vice president for development and alumni relations, at sbiedermann@pacific.edu or 209.946.2166.

FIRST TIME GIFTS AND DONORS

GIFTS

GIFTS UNDER $100 Leading with Purpose

The largest campaign in Pacific history, Leading with Purpose: The Campaign for University of the Pacific, reached its record $300 million fundraising campaign goal–six months ahead schedule, creating an even greater opportunity for Pacific to show the world the moments that give life purpose.

This $317 million philanthropic effort, launched publicly in October 2017 and closed in June 2022, was an initiative to provide students with the resources and opportunities to find their purpose and support the pivotal moments that shape a lifetime. Guided by four Principle Priorities, this campaign has helped Pacific change lives—one gift, one school, one person at a time.

Pacific Gives

The university’s annual 24-hour online fundraising event set records by raising more than $1.7 million from nearly 2,900 donors this year. Gifts poured in from alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff from California to as far away as Japan and Australia.

“We are so grateful for everyone who supported Pacific Gives and made it the biggest day yet,” said Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president for development and alumni relations. “Our university came together in a tremendous way to support our students. Every donation has a big impact.”

Pacific Gives allows donors to direct their money to areas they are most passionate about—from student scholarships to experiential learning opportunities to athletics.

Gifts were amplified in the form of more than 60 challenges and dollar-for-dollar matches that unlock additional funding for a particular program.

More than $47,000 was matched for the Regents Endowed Scholarship supporting first-generation students, PROMISE Scholars (former foster youth or housing insecure) and other students from low-income families, thanks to a generous gift from former regent Rick Fleming ’69 and his wife Diana (Loane) Fleming ’71.

The PROMISE Scholars program gave Christiana Kendrick ’22, a senior at Pacific, the resources she needed when she had nowhere to turn in her sophomore year.

“They really came through at a time when I needed financial help,” said Kendrick, who had no place to live during university breaks at the time.

“I reached out and PROMISE Scholars gladly took me in as one of their students. Sharing my story also helps others see that everyone has a different background, and this support is going to a good person and to a better future.”

A $10,000 match for faculty and staff donations offered by President Christopher Callahan and First Lady Jean Callahan, and Provost Maria Pallavicini, was reached within the first hour of the campaign.

“The amazing numbers of alumni, faculty, staff, families, supporters, regents and university leaders who gave—and gave so generously during Pacific Gives—show how important Pacific is to so many people,” President Christopher Callahan said. “This is philanthropy that will have a very real, meaningful and immediate impact on our students."

This year Pacific Gives introduced You+2, a program that recruited Pacific Ambassadors who were asked to recruit two other donors in exchange for Pacific swag for their contributions.

“As alumni, we're all ambassadors for Pacific, but sometimes we get a chance to stand up and say it out loud and that’s when the magic happens,” said Greg Aghazarian ’93,

a McGeorge alumnus and Pacific Alumni Association board member who was a Pacific Gives ambassador. He also is a former California State Assembly member. “This is a great time for anybody who cares about the future of the university and its place in the community to reach out to friends and family and reconnect with old classmates to make a difference.”

Athletics drew tremendous support for the campaign with men’s soccer, volleyball and softball teams leading the effort.

“We're competitive folks over here in athletics,” said Men’s Soccer Head Coach Adam Reeves. “Our program got excited about trying to win the bonuses (available through challenges). It was a great way to incentivize the entire campus community.”

Reeves fueled much of the team’s successful fundraising campaign as the top ambassador for Pacific Gives, recruiting 88 donors.

The schools and colleges also demonstrated great support, with Pacific’s newest college, the School of Health Sciences, having the most donations at 222. Founding Dean Nicoleta Bugnariu led the way by offering matches to the Dean’s Transformative Resilience Scholarship and, as one of the top Pacific Gives ambassadors, recruiting 77 donors.

“I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported the School of Health Sciences during Pacific Gives,” she said. “My passion for this event is due to my own experience as a student. In my first year of Physical Therapy school, receiving a small scholarship gave me just enough to allow me to quit working night shifts and focus on studying. That scholarship made a huge difference for me, and it is why I am so supportive of Pacific Gives and our fantastic students.” College of the Pacific brought in the most funds with more than $360,000 donated to support retention scholarships, speech and debate tournaments and Art, Media, Performance and Design students.

Additional challenges and matches included:

• Champions of the Liberal Arts Challenge, a $100,000 gift from Professor Emeritus David Sparkman for College of the Pacific student scholarships

• Physician Assistant Scholarship Challenge received enough donors to get an extra $52,000 for the Mark and Sheila Christiansen Endowed Founding Director Scholarship

• Dental Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Challenge had enough donors to receive an extra $50,000 for the fund

• Smith COP Challenge Match raised an additional $50,000 from LaNor Smith ’86, president of the Pacific Alumni Board, and Scott Smith ’87, for history scholarships

• Chemistry Department Challenge unlocked $50,000 from Professor Emeritus Charles Matuzak for the Chemistry Department

• Fellers COP Challenge Match raised an extra $25,000 from Greg ’68 and Kathy ’68 Fellers for Biological Sciences scholarships

SAUL HERRERA ’24

Leticia and Jorge Robles Endowed CIP Scholarship recipient

Jim Mair will receive honorary doctoral degree

Prominent Silicon Valley real estate executive, former regent and alumnus Jim Mair ’68 will receive an honorary doctoral degree from University of the Pacific in recognition of his transformative impact on California and the state’s first and oldest university.

Mair, president of South Bay Development Co., which he founded in 1978, negotiated the purchase of the current San Francisco Campus, the university’s largest real estate acquisition since moving to Stockton in 1924. Located downtown in the South of Market area, it was recognized by the San Francisco Business Times as the best office real estate deal in San Francisco in 2011.

“It was a fairly hot real estate market at the time, and we had to jump on it to get the building,” Mair recalled. “It's worked out great for the dental school.”

The deal allowed the Dugoni School of Dentistry to expand its footprint into a state-of-the-art facility and created space for other programs to be added.

“Moving into this beautiful space eight years ago has transformed how our students learn and allowed us to expand oral health care services for our patients,” said Nader A. Nadershahi, dean of the Dugoni School of Dentistry and vice provost of

JIM AND GRETCHEN (WOLF) MAIR ‘68 Gretchen was voted Homecoming Queen her senior year.

the San Francisco Campus. “We are extremely grateful to Jim for securing this facility and his guidance through the entire building project.”

Mair’s connection to Pacific began more than 50 years ago. A Minnesota native, he moved across the country to attend Pacific without ever visiting the campus.

“Back then we didn’t tour colleges. When I got off the plane in San Francisco I said, ‘why are we going back East?’" he, recalled with a laugh. “But from the minute I got there I loved the school.”

Mair earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was part of the men’s swim-

ming and water polo teams and a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, where he created lifelong friendships.

He also met his future wife the first week of college. Gretchen (Wolf) Mair ’68 earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pacific. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority and voted Homecoming Queen her senior year.

The Mairs' connection to Pacific continued through their daughter, Carolyn ’97 and their late daughter Meredith ’94, as well as their son-in-law Clint Fleener ’94.

After graduating from Pacific, Mair went on to earn a master’s degree from Santa Clara University. He stayed in Silicon Valley to work in commercial real estate where he founded

South Bay Development Company, one of the most successful real estate companies in Northern California.

Students have directly benefited from the family’s generosity over the years. The Mairs have created two endowed scholarships in their late daughter’s name to support Media X students and those pursuing careers in education.

“We got a wonderful education at Pacific, and we would like to see that happen for more people,” Gretchen Mair said. “That is why we created the scholarships in our daughter's memory.”

The Mairs have met many of the scholarship recipients. “It has been a lot of fun for me,” Jim Mair said. “The students are wonderful, and we are happy for them.”

“Jim has been very generous with giving back to Pacific,” said Kathleen Lagorio Janssen ’68, former chair of the Board of Regents. “He truly is one of those who give time, talent and treasure.”

The Mairs also have made donations in support of the Alex and Jeri Vereschagin Alumni House, the Eve Zimmerman Tennis Complex and the sand volleyball courts.

Mair, who served as a regent from 2008-16, was recognized with the Pacific Alumni Association Distinguished University Service Award in 2015. Of the honorary doctoral degree he will receive, Mair said he is “blown away by the honor.”

“Jim’s dedication to Pacific, first as a student leader and later as a regent, is unsurpassed,” said President Christopher Cal-

lahan “The impact of the Mairs’ generosity on our students will continue to be felt for decades to come. And on a personal level, Jean and I are very grateful for Jim and Gretchen’s support and friendship. They are both truly great Pacificans.”

Though the university has changed, Mair said Pacific holds the same values.

“It’s a feeling, and you can see it in the students. It’s very student-oriented with small classes, and most of the students all know each other, which is really unique in today’s environment,” he said. “I hope that never changes.”

Mair will receive the honorary degree—one of the highest honors the university bestows— at University Commencement on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

Jim’s dedication to Pacific, first as a student leader and later as a regent, is unsurpassed.

CHRISTOPHER CALLAHAN President

Paying Forwardit

Regent Evan Dreyfuss’ investment is a game-changer for business students

University of the Pacific Regent Evan Dreyfuss ’86, a highly-regarded portfolio manager, and his wife Elizabeth are creating a rare opportunity for Eberhardt School of Business students with a $1 million gift to establish a student-run investment fund focused on bonds.

The donation qualifies for Pacific’s Powell Match program, which matches new endowments, putting the total fund at $2 million once fully vested.

Dreyfuss calls the donation a “game-changer.”

The Dreyfuss Family Fixed Income Fund will allow students to manage and invest real money in bonds. It will complement the high-performing Eberhardt Student Investment Fund established in 2007, which focuses primarily on stocks.

“It’ll make a huge impact in students’ lives,” the 1986 alumnus said. “It'll give them a leg up when they go for an interview out of college to have some real-world experience. You get to learn how to figure out which bond to buy, and how to buy it and put it in the portfolio.”

Fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide operate a student investment fund for stocks. With the Dreyfuss Family Fixed Income Fund, Pacific stands out as one of very few schools in the nation offering undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to also manage a fixed income fund.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our students,” said President Christopher Callahan. “We are

enormously grateful to Regent Dreyfuss for making it happen. Our students will be getting experience that is hard to come by anywhere else.”

The fund will include U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. corporate bonds, emerging market bonds, high-yield bonds and more. According to Dreyfuss, who has decades of experience, the global bond market is valued at $124 trillion compared to $106 trillion for the global stock market.

“People don't realize the bond market is bigger than the equity market,” Dreyfuss said.

“It would surprise many people to know how influential those instruments are,” adds Lewis Gale, professor in the Eberhardt School of Business. “When it comes to a large infrastructure project, those are financed with bonds,” he said, listing the park where the San Francisco Giants play as one example.

The fund will be modeled after the Eberhardt Student Investment Fund, currently valued at more than $4 million, in which students manage the money as part of a class, learning how to invest in the stock market.

Nathan Auyoung ’21, a finance and biochemistry double manager, was a technology

sector analyst and health care sector analyst for the fund in 2021.

“It really gives you a hands-on experience that no other class can match,” said Auyoung, who credits the experience with helping him land a summer internship. “It gave me an opportunity to talk about my experience and how being able to manage a $4.2 million fund is really quite unique.”

The Dreyfuss Family Fixed Income Fund is being established in conjunction with a new finance program, which will include fixed income investments as part of the curriculum offered to undergraduate and graduate students.

Students will research and evaluate where to invest the fund’s money and will be accountable to a board consisting of the dean and four investment professionals, including Dreyfuss.

Earnings from the Dreyfuss Family Fixed Income fund will be used to support students. Half will stay in the fund to help it grow and the other half will go to scholarships for business school students

For the past 34 years Dreyfuss has managed high-yield bonds. He currently works as a chartered financial analyst and portfolio

manager for Twin Lake Total Return Partners, a fixed income hedge fund he established in 2002. He became a regent in 2015.

Elizabeth Dreyfuss also has a background in finance. She earned her master of business administration from Simmons University in Boston and was an investment banker in the commercial real estate division of BankBoston.

The couple is committed to supporting Pacific and its students. In 2016 they created the Dreyfuss Fellowship Endowment, which sponsors a trip to New York City every year for students in the investment fund, giving them an immersive experience on Wall Street.

“It's just tremendous that we have one of our own alumni, who is a regent, seeking out ways to provide opportunities for students in the curriculum and also in experiential learning,” Gale said. Pacific is extremely grateful to Evan and Elizabeth Dreyfuss for being “active investors” in students, he added.

“It’ll make a huge impact in students’ lives. It'll give them a leg up when they go for an interview out of college to have some real-world experience. You get to learn how to figure out which bond to buy, and how to buy it and put it in the portfolio.”

EVAN DREYFUSS '86 Portfolio Manager, Regent

Above: Student Investment Fund students visit New York City in spring 2022. The annual trip is paid for through the Dreyfuss Wall Street Fellows endowment established in 2016.

A New Home for Student Veterans

Eight years after Manor Hall closed its doors, the historic residence on the Stockton Campus is finding new purpose as housing for student veterans.

The university is nearly halfway through a $4 million fundraising campaign to renovate the century-old building, with much of the support coming from veterans and their family members.

Pacific announced plans for veterans’ housing after receiving a $1 million lead gift from local philanthropists John and June Rogers, long-time supporters of Pacific.

“After dedicating their lives to serving our country, these veterans deserve to have a comfortable space they can call home while they pursue their education,”

John Rogers said. “They are worthy of any support we can give them.”

Renovations will begin once the funding has been secured.

The former residence hall is located on Pacific Avenue across from the main campus near Pacific’s newly renovated Military and Veterans Student Center.

Originally called Thalia Hall, Manor Hall was one of the first campus buildings erected in 1924. The building’s ties to the military date back to World War II when Pacific’s Red Cross unit was set up in the basement near the end of the war. Once the war ended, the building became a living space for married veterans.

Manor Hall will undergo extensive renovations to modernize its interior while preserving its historic exterior. Student veterans will be an integral part of the design process.

“It demonstrates that Pacific wants to welcome our veterans home by creating this space for them,” said Stan Rapada ’21, director of the Military and Veterans Student Center and a 32-year veteran.

The university has made an intentional effort to enroll more student veterans by increasing scholarships and expanding the Yellow Ribbon Program in 2021, in which the Department of Veterans Affairs matches all financial aid the university provides.

“These are unbelievably well-deserving students, having served our country selflessly,” President Christopher Callahan said. “There's a maturity, commitment and focus that comes from serving in the armed forces. It is very powerful, which is why we are so grateful to John and June for this lead gift to renovate historic Manor Hall.”

John Rogers is a retired Air Force colonel who served 26 years as a pilot. He is president of the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation in Modesto, a nonprofit focused on education. June Rogers is secretary of the Foundation and their daughter, Janet Rogers, is the treasurer and a member of Pacific’s Board of Regents.

JOHN ROGERS AND JUNE ROGERS supported the renovation of Manor Hall.

Callahans deepen their commitment to students with housing scholarships

President Christopher Callahan and First Lady Jean Callahan are furthering their commitment to Pacific with a $200,000 personal gift to create endowed scholarships for undergraduate students living on campus.

The endowment will be doubled by the Powell Fund, a gift matching program, bringing the total to $400,000.

“The cost of higher education across America continues to go up,” the president said. “We are trying to keep costs as low as possible here at Pacific, but there

is always going to be a great need for students to receive financial help. We hope that in a small way this gift will help students attend Pacific, succeed and go on to do great things.”

The scholarship can be renewed annually for students living on campus, an important component for the Callahans. Studies have shown students benefit academically and persist in obtaining their degrees when they live on campus and engage in organizations and activities.

“The Pacific experience is

enriched when students have the opportunity to be part of everything that makes our university special,” the first lady said. “These are such pivotal years to help students become who they are going to be as adults and professionals. To learn from peers and others and be more fully immersed in the campus environment is important.”

Resident adviser Diego Paez ’22 said moving on campus his senior year helped him focus and more easily access support services and amenities.

“If there was a study group I needed to be part of, or I wanted to talk to a professor, I didn’t need to worry about driving back and forth,” Paez said. “On the social side, you always have an opportunity to engage in activities. When you don't live on campus, you can sometimes miss out on those events.”

Pacific has 12 residence halls, five apartment complexes and Greek housing on its Stockton Campus and recently expanded its housing options and meal plans.

A Message from the

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

Dear Pacific alumni, family and friends,

I am humbled and grateful to serve as president of the Pacific Alumni Association. Growing up, I recall my parents stressing the value of education to me and my siblings, and constantly encouraging us to maximize every opportunity that presented itself. At Pacific, I took this to heart in and out of the classroom.

I know this connection is also felt among our board of directors: 30 alumni representing each of Pacific’s schools and colleges who embody the best of Pacific. We meet quarterly, working with university staff to be actively involved with students, faculty and the entire community.

But it isn’t just up to us. I actively encourage you to get involved. Visit the campus, join a regional club, or attend an athletic event. Whatever it may look like for you, know that we want you to participate.

I had the pleasure of attending Homecoming in mid-October, reconnecting with former classmates and old friends throughout the weekend. At the heart of that weekend, we also celebrated the closing of the Leading with Purpose campaign, instrumental in supporting university programs and students. I hope you consider attending next year, and I encourage you to save the date for Homecoming 2023, October 13-15.

Interested in learning more about the Pacific Alumni Association? Want to find out about events happening at campus or near you? Please visit the Alumni Association website at pacificalumni. org. You have a dedicated alumni board and staff committed to promoting exciting activities and events, no matter where you may be.

Julian Toro Solis ’08, ’10

Left: Zephanii (Smith) Eisenstat ‘15, the 2022 recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, takes a photo with her husband and family at the Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony.

HOME COMING 2022

AND FAMILY WEEKEND

Mariachi Ocelotlán performs during the Prism Concert featuring Julia Murillo ’23, trumpet and vocals.

1. President Emerita Pamela Eibeck during the Leading with Purpose campaign close at Taste of Pacific. | 2. Regent Leticia Robles ’89 with husband Jorge Robles ’90 and daughter Sofia, at Sunday’s vow renewal at Morris Chapel. | 3. President Christopher Callahan and First Lady Jean Callahan enjoying the festivities.

4. McGeorge School of Law Professor and craft beer law expert Dan Croxall at the Craft Beer Tasting event. | 5. Students perform during Tigers Got Talent show.

6. Men’s Water Polo Rene Peralta ’23 guards in Pacific’s win against Pepperdine University. | 7. Pacific Volleyball alumnae and fans cheer on the Tigers in their historic win over #12 BYU. | 8. Dominique Catalan ’15, former ASuop President Randi Holguin ’21, Danee Thomasson ’21 and Danielle Thomasson ’19 at the Orange & Black Ball, the largest Pacific Athletics fundraiser of the year.

Seen at the Scene

1. From left: Mo Roeckl-Navazio, ’21 and Elise Bold ‘25 at McGeorge School of Law’s Capital Tour & Cocktails Reception in downtown Sacramento. | 2. From left: Vanessa Vaupel ‘11, Benita (Ng) Brooks ‘12 and Scott Sutter ‘08, ’11 celebrate Pacific’s 171st birthday at a reception hosted by the Reno/Tahoe Alumni Club at the Sierra Arts Gallery in Reno, Nev. | 3. From left: Dr. Mahban Zarei ‘24 and Dr. Fariba Yaghoobi ‘24 in the Dugoni School of Dentistry’s International Dental Studies program attend the alumni reception during the California Dental Association’s convention in San Francisco. | 4. From left: Nicholas Normington ’15 shakes hands with McGeorge School of Law Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz at an alumni mixer in Orange County, CA. | 5. From left: Dr. Jonathan Hill ’83 and Joshua White ’21 join students from the Eberhardt School of Business’ Student Investment Fund at a New York alumni reception hosted by Regent Anne Milne ’78 at the Bank of America tower in Manhattan. | 6. From left: Emeriti Professor of Communication Dr. Jon Schamber ’74, ’75; Director of Forensics Dr. Steven Kalani Farias ’09, ’11; Pacific Alumni Association Board Member Pamela Gibbs ’92; alumnus Scott Park ’83, ’86; and student Breanna Jackson ’23 are steering committee members of the Alumni Association’s newest student and alumni affinity group, the Pacific Forensics Alumni Club. | 7. Pacific Alumni Association Board Member Grant Kirkpatrick ’19 at Pacific’s National Night of Networking event.

ALUMNAE CHAMPIONS

Sarah Bailey ’15

As manager of football analytics for the Los Angeles Rams, alumna Sarah Bailey’s expertise in data helped the team clinch its second Super Bowl title this year. Like many professional sports teams, the Rams rely heavily on data to determine matters such as player selection, opponent tendencies and game preparation and strategy. “You don’t want to talk math with players and coaches. That can be overpowering. By summarizing your work and being an efficient communicator, you can provide others with tools,” she said and admitted her team affectionately calls itself “The Nerds.”

Nicole Barbour ’07

Pacific graduate Nicole Barbour ’07 has played a key role in partnering with major brands as vice president of partnership development for the Golden State Warriors basketball team. “The thing I enjoy most about my role is to be able to dream up new ideas, get a partner excited, get one of our sponsors excited, and then see it come to life,” Barbour said. Among the most exciting moments in her 15 years is being part of an NBA team that secured its fourth championship in 2022 and added a fourth ring to her prized collection.

Sarah Bailey ‘15

Nicole Barbour ’07

In Memoriam

CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC DEAN LED IN TIME OF SIGNIFICANT GROWTH

Carl Nosse led the Conservatory of Music at University of the Pacific as dean for nearly 20 years, overseeing the construction of facilities and helping found The Brubeck Institute. Nosse died in January 2022 at the age of 89.

Nosse led the Conservatory from 1980 until his retirement in 1999. He was instrumental in overseeing the construction of the Rehearsal Hall, Recital Hall, the Music A/V Library Suite, Buck Hall classroom and teaching studio building and the renovation of Faye Spanos Concert Hall.

“He was a very strong leader… I think that the strongest period of building that the conservatory has ever had since I’ve been here occurred during his tenure,” said Professor of Practice Frank Wiens.

“He really gave 100%,” added Lynelle Wiens, professor emeritus. “He was at school every night working. He was totally devoted to the growth of the conservatory.”

Nosse was the founding director of The Brubeck Institute. The program was developed to honor world-renowned jazz musician and alumnus Dave Brubeck.

Conservatory enrollment increased under Nosse’s leadership, partly due to the addition of a bachelor’s degree in music management.

“That became an important part of one of the enrollment attractions of the conservatory. The music management program has now grown to be a very significant portion of the conservatory,” said Frank Wiens.

He also collaborated with alumni and regents in founding the Festival of the Arts and the Pantheon of the Arts at Pacific.

Outside of Pacific, Nosse was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Asso-

ciation of Schools of Music in 1991.

He was a visiting evaluator and consultant to 21 colleges and universities in the U.S. and was also an affiliate board member with the music study abroad program at Regents College in London, England.

Nosse maintained a close relationship with Pacific after his retirement, attending concerts and events at the conservatory.

Daniel Ebbers, professor of voice, knew him as an “extremely thoughtful, kind and generous person.” He met Nosse in 2004 but worked with him more closely in 2015 while serving as interim dean for the conservatory.

Nosse earned a doctor of music degree in music composition from Florida State University. He was a member of the faculty and assistant dean from 1973–80.

He earned a master’s degree in composition from Duquesne and a bachelor’s degree in applied music and music education from Tarkio College in Missouri.

CLIFFORD DOCHTERMAN WORKED CLOSELY WITH UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS

Clifford L. Dochterman led university fundraising and alumni relations for nearly two decades and later served as president of Rotary International. Colleagues recall the significant impact he had on the university.

“Cliff was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor who cared deeply about people. He was a great leader and always was there to support you. I am very proud to have called him a friend,” said Judy Chambers, vice president for student life emerita.

Dochterman died in November 2021 at 95.

Serving nearly 40 years in higher education, Dochterman was serving as executive

vice president of University of the Pacific from 1972–90. He joined Pacific after 20 years at University of California, Berkeley.

“In those days we did not have a chief of staff for the president, but Cliff essentially served in that role,” said Chambers. “He played a very important part in many key university improvements.”

During his tenure, Dochterman worked closely with university presidents Stanley McCaffrey, Clifford Hand (acting president) and William Atchley on many issues, including the formation of the development office, the purchase of additional Stockton Campus land and the funding of campus buildings. In addition, he was instrumental in the formative years of the Community Involvement Program which supports first-generation students from Stockton.

The Clifford L. Dochterman Endowment Fund was created by Pacific colleagues, friends and others in 1990 in honor of his retirement.

Dochterman’s passion for the work of Rotary International helped lead him to serve as president in 1992-93. He first joined Rotary in Berkeley in 1958.

“My father’s motto during the year of his presidency was ‘Real Happiness is Helping Others,’” said his daughter Claudia Mennuti, a long-time public-school teacher in Stockton. “That is truly the way he lived his entire life. Rotary was a huge part of life for all of us in the family.”

ENGINEERING PROFESSOR’S IMPACT WAS WIDESPREAD

Robert E. Hamernik’s expertise in civil engineering made an impact on campus and in the community.

As a teacher, he was well respected and

beloved by students. He received the university’s Distinguished Faculty Award in 1995 and taught at the university for 35 years.

He died in June 2022 at the age of 90.

The native of Chicago started teaching in the School of Engineering at Pacific in 1962 after completing bachelor’s and master’s programs at the University of Oklahoma. Hamernik received a National Science Award in 1969, which enabled him to complete his PhD at Oregon State University in 1973.

“He and his wife were very close with the students,” said Professor Emeritus Jim Morgali, who worked with Hamernik for more than 30 years. “They had them over to their house often, and they kept track of the students for many years. He was still in contact with students from the first year he arrived.”

In addition to teaching, he served as a School of Engineering administrator—most notable were his years as chair of the civil engineering department.

“He did an excellent job. He was very capable and very efficient,” Morgali said.

He was married to Erol Jean for 60 years and had two children, Kathleen S. Trujillo and Gregory Hamernik.

HAWKINS, 84, EXCELLED FOR TIGERS AND RAIDERS

Wayne Hawkins ’60, a standout lineman for Pacific in the 1950s who was one of the original members of the Oakland Raiders and a five-time American Football League AllStar, died in July 2022 at the age of 84.

Hawkins helped Pacific to winning records during each of his three years (195759) with the Tigers. He was inducted into the Pacific Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984.

At Pacific and during his professional ca-

reer, Hawkins played alongside quarterback Tom Flores ’58, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“He was very good, just solid,” Flores told the Palm Springs Desert Sun. “You could count on him and Jim Otto side by side. They were my protectors in my years with the Raiders.”

Hawkins played right guard and started in Super Bowl II, a 33-14 Raiders loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Pacific was a family affair for the Hawkins. Wayne graduated in 1960 with a degree in physical education, his wife Sharon is a 1961 graduate in art and son Michael, who played football for four years, graduated in 1989 from College of the Pacific.

BOTANIST’S IMPACT FELT ON CAMPUS, ACROSS NATION AND WORLD

Dale W. McNeal Jr., a distinguished professor of biology for more than three decades who traveled the world to do research, died in May 2022 at the age of 82.

McNeal taught at Pacific from 1969 until his retirement in 2002, when he was honored with the Order of Pacific—the university’s highest honor. He also received Pacific’s Distinguished Faculty Award in 1994.

At Pacific, he maintained an active research agenda, contributing results of field work and plant propagation to numerous journals and societies. He authored articles for and was an editorial consultant for the revision of “The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California.”

McNeal was a member of many organizations, including the California Botanical Society. He was the organization’s president from 1987–88.

McNeal also was part of a group of American botanists invited to visit the Soviet Union. He journeyed there three times.

Upon completion of his military service, he attended Washington State University, where he received his PhD in botany in 1969. McNeal then started work at Pacific as an assistant professor.

He is survived by his wife Arlene and his brother, Dr. Jerry Reed McNeal.

MENDOCINO COUNTY ARTIST HONED SKILLS AT PACIFIC

Twice a week, celebrated artist and art restorer Adele Pruitt ’61 held classes for a small group of long-time students in her Mendocino County studio. It’s something she enjoyed past the age of 99.

“I just have to stay busy. I’m not a person that can sit around and do nothing … I like to be creative,” Pruitt said in an interview in January 2022. She passed away one month later.

Prior to her death, Pruitt’s classes became smaller and she no longer took on new students due to COVID-19. But she still had a regular group of retirees who met with her in Ukiah on Wednesdays and Fridays to work on oil and acrylic paintings and get feedback.

And there was the group lunch, the “highlight of the day,” says long-time student Polly Palecek, laughing.

She earned her master’s in education from University of the Pacific in 1961 after her husband’s job at the port brought them to Stockton, where they lived for 10 years.

“I loved it (at Pacific),” she recalled. Even after 60 years, the name of one of her professors instantly comes to mind.

“I took watercolor from Richard Yip. He was a very famous watercolor painter in Stockton,” Pruitt said.