Pacific Gives—University of the Pacific’s annual 24 hours of giving—brought together 4,600 donors from across the country and around the world, who contributed nearly $2.7 million to their favorite programs and causes, shattering records for both donors and funds for a fifth consecutive year.

Every gift will directly benefit Pacific students.

Gifts came from alumni and friends in all 50 U.S. states and more than 25 countries, including Canada, Germany, Cambodia and Peru.

“The sheer reach of Pacific Gives is astounding,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan. “Every year, this day draws in more supporters from around the world with a shared a desire to help Pacific students succeed. I am so grateful for the immense energy and effort that brought this worldwide community together, a testament to our alumni, faculty, staff, family and friends.”

Pacific Gives started in 2017, but for the first three years, the number of donors averaged about 500 and the day raised less than $500,000. But the campaign has exploded in the last five years under the leadership of President Callahan and Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Scott Biedermann '05, '20.

“I am overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude for everything we accomplished and all that our students receive as a result. To achieve this level of impact takes all of us,” said Scott Biedermann, who holds two degrees from Pacific. “Alumni, faculty, staff, families and friends supported every corner of the university on all three campuses. Their gifts will enhance all aspects of the Pacific experience, from scholarships and academic programs, to athletics, student services, research opportunities and more.

“Pacific Gives enhances many of the resources and experiences that make students’ time here meaningful,” Biedermann said. “For some, these gifts often help them stay and graduate.”

For a fifth straight year, the day saw 100% participation from the Board of Regents, President’s Cabinet and deans, and the Pacific Alumni Association Board of Directors. This year’s effort included record numbers of matches and challenges that multiplied donors’ impact.

President Callahan, First Lady Jean Callahan and the President’s Cabinet matched $20,000 in gifts from Pacific faculty and staff. Their challenge was met by more than 600 employees across all three campuses.

Gifts of all sizes support Pacific’s nine colleges and schools. The School of Health Sciences, led by Dean Nicoleta Bugnariu, came first among schools with 828 donors. Bugnariu personally matched $10,000 in scholarship gifts.

“I know from firsthand experience that scholarships change students’ lives,” she said. “Many years ago, when I was a student, a small scholarship allowed me to stop working night shifts and going to school in the morning. Because of that scholarship I was able to sleep, my grades improved, eventually I went to graduate school, and the rest is history.”

Pacific Gives’ success was driven by a record-breaking 409 ambassadors, whose outreach generated more than $500,000. Many of the day’s top ambassadors hailed from Pacific Athletics, which raised funds for all 17 Tiger athletic programs, led by the men’s and women’s soccer teams.

“Our community has been very gracious to us over the years, aligning with our vision to help our wonderful student-athletes,” said Head Men’s Soccer Coach Adam Reeves, who recruited more than 150 donors for his program. “Pacific Gives is an easy way for alumni to give back to a program that has given so much to them, while also connecting with our current players. Our number one aim is to better the student-athlete experience, and their support is greatly appreciated.”

Students also played a significant role in the day. More than 300 students made gifts, while others made phone calls, sent texts and wrote emails to recruit additional donors. Several student groups gathered to write thank-you notes to donors from their programs.

“I’m so grateful that programs I really care about, that have given me leadership skills and a sense of comfort, were involved in Pacific Gives,” said Janeth Morales ’26, who recruited donations by phone for the university’s College Corps program.

“I was excited to see how we all came together to support such an exciting moment for the university. These programs have done so much for all of us, and the least we can do is help give back. I’m very grateful to have been a part of it.”

Pacific Gives returns April 21-22, 2026. Learn more and support students year-round.