Notes From Under the Oaks | February 2015
I’ve recently found myself struck by the power of a Pacific relationship. As I reflect on my own experiences as a student, an alumna and an employee, it is the relationships with individuals that make those experiences feel rich and whole. I am blessed not only with some great relationships of my own, but the opportunity to witness this incredible reality unfold among other members of the university community. I am convinced the strength of this place can be found within individual relationships.
As I meet with alumni around the country we almost always share a moment of pride and gratitude for the “closeness” we enjoyed at Pacific. This is as true when I speak with an optometrist who graduated 40 years ago as it is when I visit with our newest alumni from the School of Communications Sciences and Disorders. Alumni frequently give credit for their success to the care and inspiration extended by faculty, staff and fellow students.
At our recent celebration for Professor and Coach Mike Steele, alumnus Josh Bateman ’11, MAT ’12 described his relationship with Mike by saying, “His impact goes far beyond what I can put on a transcript.”
I can find no better way to describe the relationship between faculty and students at Pacific.
When I asked alumna Mary Anne Williams, MFA ’10 if we might share her recently published story, she responded with the proviso that we must acknowledge her classmate Priyatam Mudivarti, MFA ’12, who provided support she needed in writing the story along with editorial assistance.
I can find no better way to describe the concern and compassion students feel for one another.
I see the power of the Pacific relationship unfold at Homecoming and other gatherings conveyed in the energy of a hug, a handshake, a grin. I get to see alumni who have not returned to campus in decades embrace friends they have not seen in as many years erupting with joy at the chance to be close to their friends again. I also get to hear about influential lectures so memorable alumni can still recount the details decades later.
I can find no better way to describe the lasting impact of the Pacific experience.
In his Boxer Short video, Steele, who celebrates a 40-year career at Pacific this year said, “Pacific supported me and encouraged me and we do the exact same thing with our students.”
This rings true for every program, every campus, every classroom, and it rings true across the ages.
We are Boxers. We are students and players who think of our former faculty and coaches as “life coaches.” We can take no credit for our own success without sharing it with friends who supported us. We lend that support to one another as often as we take it.
I not only have the joy of watching all of this unfold, I sometimes get to help these powerful interactions flourish. I hope to see your story unfold. Please join us at an upcoming alumni event, submit your story to Pacific magazine Class Notes or ask me how I can help you reconnect with a friend or professor.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if there is anything I might do to be of assistance.
Best wishes,
Martha Calus-McLain '03
Director of Alumni Relations
p.s. I’d be remiss if I didn’t also give a nod to the romantic relationships with roots under the oaks. There are more than 2,000 of us married to another Boxer. Some of those Boxer Love Stories have been shared with us and we’d love to make your collection complete. Share your story!