Pacific Celebrates Graduation of 300 Healthcare Professionals
Pacific University celebrated its August 2023 commencement exercises on Saturday, Aug. 12, as about 300 Boxers took their next steps in careers in health professions.
Pacific prepares more healthcare workers than any other school in Oregon, with the exception of Oregon Health & Sciences University.
On Saturday, degree candidates crossed the stage to mark the culmination of their studies in audiology, dental hygiene, psychology, health sciences, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, and education and leadership.
Pacific University President Jennifer Coyle, who launched her own healthcare career through Pacific’s College of Optometry, welcomed her new fellow alumni to their roles as colleagues and professionals.
“My own Pacific experience quite literally changed the course of my life,” said Coyle, who earned her bachelor’s, doctor of optometry, and master of science at Pacific before becoming an optometrist, faculty member, dean and, last summer, president of Pacific. “Pacific is the place where I discovered who I was. Where I discovered new things I loved to do. Where I found mentors and colleagues who opened my eyes to new ideas. And where I learned that learning is never finished.
“I hope you use all of the tools, skills, knowledge, and relationships you have gathered at Pacific to pursue those opportunities and dreams, and to go forward on a path that brings you bliss.”
Pacific University, the only comprehensive college in Oregon’s Washington County, serves more than 3,500 students in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, health professions and optometry. It celebrates commencement three times a year, with dual ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students in May, a June ceremony for graduates of the Master of Fine Arts in Writing Program, and the August ceremony for many of its health professions programs.
Graduate portraits and more photos from Commencement Day will be available soon!