Breadcrumb
Pacific celebrates graduates from the Class of 2022
June 19, 2022 | Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
A talented new cohort of oral healthcare professionals marked a milestone in their lives at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry’s 128th annual commencement ceremony June 19.
Staged at the historic Masonic auditorium, 209 proud students often with family member received degrees of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS); Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene; Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD); Master of Science in Dentistry, Orthodontics; and Master of Science in Dentistry, Endodontology.
In addition, 60 members of the Dugoni School’s Class of 2020 who did not have an in-person ceremony due to COVID-19 returned to San Francisco to officially walk across the commencement stage.
“You have just completed a rigorous professional program that tested you in new ways,” remarked Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi, dean and vice provost of the Dugoni School, in his charge to graduates. “Reflect on these experiences as you grow and face new challenges yet to come.”
“It is now your turn to take your education and use it to be leaders and to serve your community,” he added. “You have the knowledge, skill, and compassion to help those around you live healthier and happier lives. You have incredible gifts. It is up to you to make the most of them. I have no doubt that is exactly what you will do.”
A recording of the commencement ceremony is available online.
May 28, 2022 | McGeorge School of Law Commencement Ceremony
University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law held its 98th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 28 at Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. There were 213 degrees conferred to graduates who took part in the hooding ceremony. The degrees included: Juris Doctor, Doctor of Juridical Science, Master of Laws, Master of Science in Law, Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy.
Tia Boatman Patterson, JD ’94, delivered the keynote address. Patterson was selected by President Joe Biden for the White House’s Office of Management and Budget as the Associate Director for Housing, Treasury and Commerce.
May 21, 2022 | School of Health Sciences Diploma and Hooding Ceremony
University of the Pacific’s School of Health Sciences held its commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 21 as 183 students in health-related disciplines received degrees and took part in hooding ceremonies. Degrees were conferred in seven departments, including Athletic Training, Audiology, Clinical Nutrition, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Social Work and Speech-Language Pathology. This was the first commencement ceremony for Pacific’s newest school, which places emphasis on health science disciplines in Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco campuses.
“Our school purpose is to advance the lifelong health and wellness of our diverse communities,” said Nicoleta Bugnariu, dean of the School of Health Sciences. “There are not many professions where one can have such an impact on the lives of so many people … The next phase of your professional journey will be challenging, but it will be oh so rewarding and fulfilling. It is a privilege and an honor to make somebody’s health and life better.”
May 14, 2022 | All-university Commencement and diploma and hooding ceremonies
Thousands of graduates, parents, families, faculty and friends gathered for a historic weekend celebration of the graduating class of 2022 at California’s first and oldest university.
It also marked the conferral of an honorary doctoral degree to Super Bowl-winning NFL Head Coach and double alumnus Pete Carroll, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Pacific in 1973 and his master’s in 1978. Carroll’s career is highlighted in the new Stagg Memorial Football Plaza exhibit that was recently unveiled with several former Pacific football players and coaches on hand.
The university held the annual Interfaith Baccalaureate Ceremony on Friday afternoon in Morris Chapel where retiring faculty member Gene Pearson—Pacific’s longest-serving faculty member, whose tenure spans 51 consecutive years—delivered the ceremonial “last lecture.” Pearson, along with retiring professors Gary Litton, Bill Swagerty and Linda Webster, received the Order of Pacific—the university’s highest honor.
On Saturday, members of the 50th reunion class of 1972 participated in the Memorial Rose Walk during the Commencement processional, carrying orange roses in honor of classmates who have passed away.
Notable alumni also returned to campus for the festivities. Astronaut and alumnus Jose Hernandez ’84 presented his daughter Marisol with her graduate hood and diploma during the School of Engineering and Computer Science’s ceremony.
In total, the university will have awarded nearly 2,000 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees during commencement ceremonies throughout May and June.
