From Dr. Coyle
Thirty five years ago, I made my first visit to Pacific University.
It was Valentine’s Day, and I was nervous, lost and running late.
I had flown in from Alaska, rented a car for the first time, and tried to navigate my way to campus with a folded map (back in the days before GPS or Google Maps). The weather was awful, even for someone from the frozen north, and I knew I wasn’t going to make it in time for my interview.
I found a pay phone (these were the days before cell phones, too) and called the Admissions Office. They were so kind and understanding. Someone gave me clear directions to campus, and they waited to meet with me, even though it was a holiday.
I remember when I first stepped out of the car and looked around campus. Even under a gray sky, everything was so green and beautiful. I vividly remember a few early crocuses and daffodils fighting their way up through the ground. The bright little bursts of color were so unexpected, they forced me to pause and smile.
I caught my breath, calmed my brain, and my nerves melted away.
The rest, as they say, is history.
I couldn’t wait to join the Pacific University family then. And 35 years later, I am incredibly proud to still be a part of it.
As we look to the years ahead at Pacific, I am grateful for people who are willing to give directions — not just literally, but figuratively, as we share our diverse experiences and perspectives in an effort to become a more inclusive and equitable community.
I am grateful for the people who are patient, kind and understanding, as we welcome new students, navigate stressful and uncertain times, and seek to continue making this university, and this world, a better place.
And I am grateful for each of you, for being the bright spots that make me pause and smile every day.
My best,
Jenny Coyle
President