Because You Give | 'Pacific Has So Many Opportunities to Help Us'

Moana Keaunui ‘18 had originally planned on attending a Division I college.

Then, she saw Pacific University. It was the small and intimate campus feel, and the words of encouragement and advice from her trusted friend and advisor “Uncle Jeff” Grundon, that eventually convinced Keaunui to become a Boxer.

“I just knew, through my family and friends that came here to Pacific, that I would be in great hands,” Keaunui said.

After earning her bachelor’s in exercise science, Keaunui hopes to pursue a degree in physical therapy — a program available right at Pacific. She hopes to one day work with professional athletic teams and plans to incorporate traditional Hawaiian medical practices.

“One major thing that I want to continue into my career is to bring in my Hawaiian culture,” Keaunui said. “Pacific has such a large Hawaiian community here on campus. It has allowed me to still tie my roots into what I plan on continuing throughout my career.”

Keaunui is thankful for the opportunity Pacific has provided and knows that the diverse education she is receiving would not be possible without help from generous scholarships and other aid.

“I got a Trustees Scholarship and a Hawaiian Student Scholarship,” Keaunui said.

“Pacific has so many different opportunities to help us out. We have so many different programs here that help you get through to these classes, we have such great professors and then there is also our tutoring program,” Keaunui said. “All of these opportunities you really wouldn’t get if you were to look at larger colleges.”

When you make a gift to Pacific University, you are supporting educational experiences for students like Moana.