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Weekend events showcase the best of Pacific Homecoming
Homecoming and Family Weekend reunited alumni and brought together families for robust offerings from craft beer to big athletic victories to the celebration of Pacific’s successful capital campaign.
More than 1,400 people registered to attend, and the campus had a vibrancy throughout the weekend. Here is a recap:
Leading With Purpose campaign toasted
During the Taste of Pacific gathering on Knoles Lawn on Saturday, a toast was shared for the success of Pacific’s Leading with Purpose campaign, which raised more than $317 million from 23,000 donors who gave 66,000 gifts from around the globe. The campaign, chaired by former Regent Tony Chan '77 and current Regent Virginia Chan '77 began in 2017, with a goal of $300 million.
Pacific President Christopher Callahan and President Emerita Pamela Eibeck shared the stage to reflect on the campaign.
“For this unbelievably successful campaign, this most successful campaign in our 171-year history, credit goes to my dear friend Pam Eibeck,” Callahan said. “She started and led this campaign.”
Eibeck said donors’ gifts have “touched the lives” of people throughout Pacific.
“Each gift to this campaign, whether large or small, was very personal between the donor, and the purpose for which you donated,” she said. “And it was personal because it reflected your deep belief in this fine university. Your deep belief in the people, and how committed University of the Pacific is to empowering young people to achieve their dreams.”
President Callahan looks to the future
President Callahan shared his vision for Pacific in a “Champagne with the President” reception.
“When (First Lady) Jean and I got here, we set a vision to be the very best comprehensive university that is focused squarely on the success of our students,” he said. ““At its core, I want the university to be better than anyone else in the success of its students.”
The Callahan’s also welcomed students and families for breakfast at their home.
Athletics: Stunning upset spices volleyball reunion
Homecoming proved to be outstanding for the Pacific volleyball program. The Tigers posted a stunning 3-2 victory over West Coast Conference powerhouse No. 12-ranked Brigham Young with about 30 members of Pacific’s historic national champions and final four players from the 1980s and 1990s watching.
BYU was undefeated in conference play (7-0) before Saturday. But the Tigers seemed to be inspired playing in front of the former superstars and legendary former Pacific Coaches John Dunning and Terry Liskevych.
“This is absolutely an incredibly special time,” said Cathy (Lumb) Edwards, who played for the Tigers from 1980-83 and was an assistant coach for their 1986 national championship team. Her daughter Alexa is a current player. “As a group, we want to show the younger generation that it is not all about wins and losses as much as it is about relationships and what happens later in life. That is why this gathering is special.”
Also on Saturday, Pacific’s powerhouse fourth-ranked men’s water polo team defeated No. 10 Pepperdine 18-13. The Tigers will host No. 1 ranked Stanford on Saturday, Oct. 22.
Orange and Black Ball
Approximately 600 Pacific alumni, donors, employees, students and friends gathered on Friday night for the sold-out annual Orange and Black Ball at the Janssen-Lagorio Gymnasium.
Tim Dickson, executive associate director of athletics, said the ball is Athletics largest annual fundraiser supporting 17 programs and more than 300 student athletes.
"The event provides a wonderful opportunity to re-connect with all people from Pacific and come together in support of our student athletes," Director of Athletics Janet Lucas said.
During the program, approximately 30 members of Pacific’s national champion and final four volleyball teams from the 1980s and 1990s were recognized.
Craft beer and fine wine draw crowds
Pacificans enjoyed the weekend’s signature hospitality including Taste of Pacific, the Food Truck Frenzy, fine wines from alumni vintners and Friday’s popular craft beer tasting.
The annual event features a sampling of craft brews from throughout Northern California with expert McGeorge School of Law Professor Dan Croxall sharing why the craft beer industry is booming.
“I see craft beer to be kind of a replacement for the traditional pub. It is where people meet, socialize or conduct business in a laid-back environment.”
Prism concert delights, surprises
Conservatory of Music students and faculty wowed a large crowd at Faye Spanos Concert Hall with the annual Prism concert, a fast-paced 50 minutes of imaginative interpretations of many styles of music.
The array ranged from “Allentown” by pop giant Billy Joel to “How Can I Forget” by rapper Jelani Brown to a percussion ensemble and a woodwind trio to vocal and band performances.
Prism concerts are popular throughout the world, named for the effect of an actual prism which reveals different types of light. They traditionally are held with the audience silent and without applause or gaps between performances.
Dedications for meaningful spaces
“This is truly a special new place on the Stockton Campus,” said Center for Identity and Inclusion Director Mario Enriquez ’10, at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new center which brings togetherall of Pacific’s student affinity groups previously stationed throughout campus.
More than 50 people attended the event at the McCaffrey Center to celebrate El Centro (formerly LatinX), Native American Student Services, Black Student Services, Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi Student Services and LGBTQ+ Resource Center (formerly Pride Resource Center).
“This center is a fantastic addition to Pacific and will have a huge impact on students,” said Associate Vice President for Student Involvement and Equity Allison Dumas.
Former sorority puts name on final study room
Alpha Chi Omega sisters held a ceremony to name a study room at the William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center after their sorority, which closed in 1995 but has gathered annually at Homecoming.
The alumna raised $15,000 to name the Alpha Chi Omega Study Room in the library.
“Our sorority is no longer active at Pacific, but so many of us have stayed in touch and we wanted to raise the money to give back to the university,” said alumna Karen Hiraga Nakamura. “We have such fond memories of the sorority and our time at Pacific. “
Pacificans renew marital vows
Many Pacificans have found their life-long partners at the university, and a new event was created to celebrate: vow renewals for couples on Sunday morning at Morris Chapel.
Many couples took part in the ceremony led by Rev. Kim Montenegro, the university’s director of religious and spiritual life. Regent Leticia Robles and her husband Jorge took part.
“It was a meaningful event. So many love stories started on Pacific’s campus and we want to make sure we continue to hold that place as special at the university,” Montenegro said.
