From Dr. Coyle | August 2022
In just a couple of weeks, we get to do one of my favorite things: Celebrate the graduation of Pacific University students!
Commencements are my favorite days of the year. These celebrations are the culmination of students' hard work — and the fulfillment of our mission to inspire students to think, care, create, and pursue justice in the world.
The sound of the bagpipes playing, the excitement of the graduates and their families, and the air of possibility gives me chills every time. I remember what it is to sit and wait for my turn to cross the stage to become a Pacific alumna — and what it feels like to watch my own children become fellow alumni.
I know exactly what it takes for students to reach this momentous day, and I am so proud of each of our alumni and soon-to-be alumni.
On Aug. 13, about 300 students in the College of Health Professions will become alumni of Pacific University, as they prepare to launch or advance their careers in healthcare. Among them are:
- Santiago Perez, earning a doctor of audiology, who — like many — battled COVID-19 on his way to his degree.
- Alejandra Ferris MA ’19, PsyD ’22, who joined peers and faculty in providing community support to Spanish-language speakers through the Charlas Comunitarias sobre el Bienestar y la Salud Emocional.
- And Emmanuel Luvert ’17, PhDEL ’22, who served as the graduate student representative on the Pacific University Board of Trustees and the Presidential Search Committee (thank you!)
The next day, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate Special Commencement, honoring the members of the Classes of 2020 and 2021 who missed out on their graduation ceremonies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Join us in celebrating the Classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 on the weekend of Aug. 13-14. Tickets are still available for August Commencement, and both ceremonies will be livestreamed on Pacific’s YouTube channel. Tune in to watch August Commencement or Special Commencement and leave a note of congratulations for our newest alumni in the comments.
Jenny Coyle '90, OD '93, MS '99
President