News and Stories | 51�Թ�

51�Թ�

News and Stories | Pacific Magazine

Principal Chief: George Tall Chief's Osage Journey

A beloved coach during his seven years at 51�Թ�, George Tall Chief MSEd '58 found his ultimate calling in a return to his native Oklahoma, where he became the elected chief of the Osage Nation.

Remembering Phil Creighton

51�Թ�'s 16th president, who died in September 2024, left an indelible mark on the university not only in its programs and campuses but also in the Pacific community members whom "Dr. Phil" always made feel like treasured friends.

Vámonos Outside participants tubing in snow

Todos Para Afuera

Aunque la naturaleza tiene sus puertas abiertas para todos, el racismo, la segregación y la accesibilidad han hecho que esa invitación no les llegue a muchas personas. Conozcan a tres exalumnos de 51�Թ�, Wesley Heredia ‘15, Punneh Abdolhosseini ‘14 y Brad Bafaro ‘80, MAT ‘86, que están haciendo su mejor esfuerzo para que las actividades al aire libre sean más accesibles para todos, al crear oportunidades de inclusión y conexión.

Kayaks On The Willamette River During An Adventures Without Limits Trip

Without Limits: Brad Bafaro '80 MAT '86 Opens The Outdoors To Those With Disabilities

Through Adventures Without Limits, which he founded in 1995, Brad Bafaro '80 MAT '86 provides avenues for those with physical and mental disabilities to experience the outdoors.

Pacific's Uberman: Rob DeCou '05 Competes For A Purpose

Rob DeCou likes pushing his body to the limits and uses his participation in endurance sports to raise money for a number of humanitarian causes.

Meet Dr. Coyle

Dr. Jenny Coyle will become the 18th president in 51�Թ�’s 173-year history this July. She is the first alumna to lead Pacific as president.

Zach Binkerd '14, MAT '16 Aims to Help Boxer Wrestling Get Off the Mat

Boxer wrestling hopes to make waves again, guided by a son-father team of Boxer alumni.

First, Tim and Cathy Tran Survived. Then, in America, They Thrived

Tim and Cathy Tran struggled to survive after the fall of South Vietnam but overcame challenges to reach America, where they flourished.

How Optometry Came to Pacific

The optometry program launched at Pacific in 1945 as a result of a combination of postwar challenges and unexpected opportunities. The needs of a small, temporarily shuttered optometry college in Northeast Portland helped meet the demands of a university that had limped through the war years. The outcome was the beginning of Pacific’s focus on the health professions.

Listen to Willard “Wid” Bleything ’51, OD ’52, MS ’54 Share Oral History on Service as Air Force Optometrist

Willard “Wid” Bleything ’51, OD ’52, MS ’54 earned three degrees from 51�Թ� on his way to becoming an optometrist. He served in the Air Force and Air Reserves, retiring as a colonel, and he also worked in private practice for many years before eventually returning to Pacific, where he became the dean of the College of Optometry.

Banjos & Bibles: Arnold Taylor '51 Led a Colorful and Generous Life

He played banjo, edited photos, preached sermons, and danced up a storm. We take a fond look back at the life and service of Arnold Taylor '51.

Leading in Education, Advocating for Students

A retired educator and speech pathologist, Steve Dustrude '73 has invested in student success, in and out of the classroom. He's been a leader in Oregon's education system and an advocate for student support at 51�Թ�.