For more than 175 years, 51Թ has been a place where students discover their passions, challenge themselves, and prepare to lead lives of purpose. The heart of our mission is built on the stories and experiences of the people who make up our Boxer community—students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends.
We asked members of the Pacific family to share in their own words why Pacific matters to them. Here’s what they said:
Tyana Lau '23, MBA '24
"Pacific gave me a family and a community that pushed me outside my comfort zone, supported me through big life changes, and gave me the confidence to explore different career paths. I was surrounded by people who genuinely wanted to see me succeed, it truly felt like home."
Rafael Martinez '20
"Pacific matters to me because I received a great education from very intelligent professors in a wide range of fields. My major was biology. It opened up so many career opportunities for me in the workforce. I was able to travel the world, purchase my first home and chase my dreams. I don't think I would have been able to do that without my education. I will always be grateful for Pacific and the time I spent there."
Wendy Wagner '99
"A liberal arts education is about discovering the connections between all fields of human endeavors, and celebrating the full humanity of people across disciplines -- and at Pacific, we learned to do that with kindness and joy. It's a place where community building is equally as important as academics, and I know all of that made me not only a better learner, but a better person."
Jordan Loeffler
"Pacific to me was one of the best times of my life The things that make it special are the people, the culture, and the location Pacific has an outstanding education and is recognized around the west coast and nation wide as one of the best around. Everyone I've known that has gone to school there has not only enjoyed their experience but has also been proud of their education. Pacific will always have a special place in my heart because of my time there."
Sandra Hilton '87, PT '88
"51Թ Physical Therapy program encouraged curiosity and excellence with a hefty dose of "citation needed" for clinical claims of effectiveness. Those skills have kept me interested in the evolving science around neurophysiology, pain, and in particular pelvic pain conditions for all genders. I graduated in 1988. I am still a clinical therapist and remain curious, in search of excellence for my patients, and have kept the demand of clarity between opinion, clinical experience, and actual evidence." -Sandra Hilton, PT, DPT
Justin Jakubauskas
"51Թ matters to me because of its long history of serving students who want to grow not only in knowledge, but also in character and impact. Its roots in the Pacific Northwest reflect resilience and community."
Sydney, Current Parent
"Pacific matters to our family because it has served as a home away from home for my two children. My son graduated from 51Թ in 2023 and now my daughter attends there. She had no intention to follow in her brothers’ footsteps but when we went on the school tour, she said Pacific was “a vibe,” making her college decision an easy one.
Not only is Pacific located in the beautiful PNW, but it’s evident that the faculty and staff care about the students, they are understanding, approachable and always willing to help. Which is comforting to know when we are 2,500 miles away. As a parent I appreciate the clear communication, easy online access and quick to respond emails when there is a question or concern. MAHALO Pacific!"
Bob Duvall, 14th President of 51Թ
"What does Pacific mean to me? More than I can express in a few words! Pacific puts into practice what is most important, valuable, and necessary in higher education—practical and visionary at the same time. I cherish my twelve years there. And I believe that what Pacific is and represents is needed in this country now more than ever."
Mel Watrall '76
"When I was at Pacific it was a 'smaller' community, which turned out to be just what I needed. I was one of the few female students with a science major. Because of our smaller class sizes, all students seem to benefit from the mutual support exhibited by our classmates."
Frank Barter '81
"I'd have to write a novel explaining why Pacific is/was special to me...I guess the most obvious reason is because I ended up at Pacific after my family had a tragedy (my oldest sister and only sibling died of Leukemia while I was in HS.) My family was terribly distraught, as was I.... eventually it was time for me to go off to college. And what I found waiting for me gave me so much of the hope back that I felt was lost. Great friends, great mentors, great responsibilities (I became an RA in Mac) and a great scene of memories forever. An incredible place to land...after such a incomprehensible event.
I'll be donating what I can every year to the Annual Fund.
Speaking of which, I dedicated my life to fundraising for the arts (major symphonies, ballets, theaters, operas, museums...etc)"
Jenny Pessereau, Former Employee
"I give to the things and places I want to see thrive in my community and the world. Pacific is one of those places that helps young people become their best selves, and models to them how to share their greatest gifts with other individuals and in their communities. This - and love - is what the world needs now and i trust Pacific to continue teaching that to young people ongoing."
Glenn '65
"I was a student at Pacific from 1961-1964 majoring in music. I really enjoyed my classes, teachers and fellow students. Pacific was my first college choice. I was helped with financial aid by your staff. I transfered to Central Washington where I could be with my family. I graduated with a BA in Education and later a MA in Music Composition both from Central. I've been in the music scene in both Leavenworth and Wenatchee for 60 years as a music educator and performer. With that said, my music roots go back for attending Music in May for 5 years as a horn player in both band and Orchestra. It was a natural to attend Pacific. I've sent support for many years to Pacific because of their faith in me. I'm happy to continue helping Pacific for years to come. Blessings on your inspiration to all those young students who will call Pacific their college home."
Anonymous
"Pacific matters because it's where my daughter is learning to be her best self! So grateful for such an amazing staff!!"
Cea Romero '87
“Pacific is ‘coming home’”
Matt Meyer '75
“Pacific has come so far in the last 50 years since I was there, upgrading facilities, expanding programs, hiring inspirational administration, faculty, and staff, all making Pacific a great place for its students to thrive. Pacific is one of my favorite places to visit with warm appreciation what MY university has become and accomplished. Go Boxers!”
Pete and Julie Komaroski
“We worried about dropping off our Florida boy in a school so far away. We shouldn't have. Pacific provided him a wonderful education, a vibrant and supportive community and a place that felt like home. Pacific gave him a wonderful start to adult life. We are very thankful to 51Թ.”
Rachel Rogers ‘12
“As an alumna and an employee for the past 12+ years, I’ve experienced firsthand how Pacific shapes people, and it has profoundly shaped me. Professors and staff challenged me to grow, inspired me to lead, and gave me the opportunity to contribute to something I truly believe in. Financial aid made it possible for me, and many of my friends, to complete our education. That’s why I give back to Pacific today, supporting scholarships so future students can have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference.”
Steven Kellow '71
“It’s a very challenging world that young people will have to enter now and in the very near future! Hopefully universities like “Pacific” will always be a leader in this endeavor! Go Boxers.”
Becky (Matta) Ball '75
“Pacific matters to me because a) It's where I met my husband of 48 years b) I have a Best Friend of 50+ years c) family history (parents, grandparents) attended Pacific d) I received a first-rate education that led to good career opportunities.”
Irv Zemrau '62, OD '63
“P.U. is exceptional."
Justin Jakubauskas, Former Employee
“51Թ matters to me because of its long history of serving students who want to grow not only in knowledge, but also in character and impact. Its roots in the Pacific Northwest reflect resilience and community.”
Dima (Azar) Kopec '00
“Pacific has been life changing in its impact to start me off on the right foot with my life and career. The skills I learned, the advice I got from attentive and available professors helped me choose the right field of study and get recruited into a job and be able to thrive at my work using what I learned. Amazing community, top notch education and accessible staff. I am so grateful for this school and so excited for the new students to start their journey :)”
Patricia Mulholland '14
“51Թ is one of my sanctuaries. I came into college as an older adult undergraduate. I was a single parent working three jobs to make ends meet. I learned I was resilient, persevering and brilliant. I took my degree and launched myself into community and beyond. I am grateful for all my incredible professors. Specifically Dr. Twist and Professor Jim Flory who invested their skill and knowledge into me. BA Studio Art Degree 2014 Alumni. Today I have over 30 years of teaching and nursing experience. I am an Oregon Licensed CNA 2. Married with Grandchildren. I own my Home. I say “thank you” for my Education 51Թ”
Adam Louie '21
“51Թ is important to me because of the community I made through my education. The connections that I made with my professors in the chemistry dept made me feel not like a number but instead a mentee and apprentice of theirs. I was able to form a more close and personal connection compared to if I were to be at a another university. To this day I still stay in touch with my professors from PACU.”
Jessica Monje-Perez '21
“At Pacific, I found my voice as I navigated new experiences and challenges as a first-generation college student. I made connections and memories with amazing people who continue to inspire me to this day.”
Debra (Tenney) Bergman '09
“51Թ's MFA program has fully equipped me as a freelance writer and editor. The 2-year, low-residency structure allowed me to continue my full-time teaching position. I savored all five of the 10-day residencies as an unending smorgasbord of the finest literary fare. Those two years of my life as a Boxer have made me the literary success that I am today and will continue to lead me toward a sustainable writing career in my future.”
Scott Korb, Current Employee
“Pacific works hard to build opportunities for collaborative work in a supportive environment! We value diversity, inclusivity, equity, and accessibility!”
Natalie Nelson '23
“Pacific was such an important stepping stone into my future career. Pacific helped me grow as a person and grow academically. My time at pacific allowed me to build my resume and gain tools for applying and interviewing for Optometry school. Having advisors to ensure I had the correct courses and being able to do mock interviews was vital. The way that Pacific supports students is remarkable and a one of a kind experience.”
Jen Novak '01
“Welcome to 51Թ! Where you will not only receive an amazing education, but it is also a place where you will connect, grow, and become a creator and innovator. Find inspiration in your experience and Pacific will become a solid building block to your foundation for your future!”
Joyce Gabriel, Former Employee
"Pacific is the perfect place to continue your journey of lifelong learning and surround yourself with lifelong friends."
DeVere Bunke '74
“Because of the practicum hours I obtained by spending a semester under the tutelage of a Portland public schools Speech Pathologist, that stood out to decision makers at Eastern Washington University awarding me a full Fellowship for their master's program. I did graduate from Eastern with my master's degree in Speech Language Pathology. I spent 41 years as a Speech Language Pathologist in the public schools. 51Թ laid the groundwork for that to happen.”
Yuki Satomi '22
“I was an international student and know nobody in Oregon. But the people are welcoming even during the pandemic. I was able to make a powerlifting club and have a precious memory at Pacific.”