Seema Khatcherian '21: Outstanding Contributions to Student Life, Center for Gender Equity

Seema Khatcherian ’21 has received awards from Pacific University for outstanding contributions to student life and for significant contributions to the Center for Gender Equity. 

Khatcherian graduated in May 2021 with a double major in applied sustainability and anthropology.

“Seema has consistently supported anti-racist and inclusive work to benefit current and future students, as well as the greater community,” according to her nomination for the student life award. “In addition to being a peer education leader to teach students about consent and healthy relationships, she also helped establish the Indigenous Engagement Committee as part of the University Diversity Committee. Seema lead the effort to erect a Black Lives Matter mural in Forest Grove, working with stakeholders and seeking approval from City Council for approval. She faced obstacles along the way, but never let that deter her from doing what was right in the pursuit of justice.”

At the Center for Gender Equity, Khatcherian “took the lead for training peers and running the athletic workshops as required by the NCAA,” said nominators. “She has shown grace under pressure.”

Khatcherian, from Concord, Calif., also worked for the Pacific University Center for Sustainable Society.

Others who also were honored for their outstanding contributions to student life in 2021 were: Jessica Monje Pérez ‘21, Chika Matsumoto '21, Keagan Weis ’21 and Kiera Yap ‘21. Also honored for their contributions to the Center for Gender Equity were Brandon Hertz ’21 and Cal McCarthy ’21.