Supporting Our Communities Amid Hawai'i Wildfires

Our thoughts are with our Pacific University ‘Ohana, who are coping with devastating and deadly wildfires, on Maui.

Pacific University faculty and staff have been in contact with both families and tourists on Maui, who have provided first-hand accounts of the situation. We are heartbroken by the stories of the devastation and of those who are being displaced.

Pacific University has connections to hundreds of students, families and alumni in Hawai‘i. We know that the fires will impact all people on the islands for weeks and months to come. Our hearts are with you.

For students who are arriving or preparing to return to campus for fall semester, resources are available in this tough time. If you need assistance, please contact the Office of Student Support at OSS@contact.pacificu.edu. You can also contact Janalei Chun in the university’s Hawai‘i Outreach & Programming office.

If you are arriving on campus for your first year at Pacific, the Orientation Team can also provide support with the move-in process.

Students may contact the Student Counseling Center at 503-352-2191 or counselingcenter@pacificu.edu. The SSC 24/7 support and crisis line is also available at 503-352-2999.

As of Friday, Aug. 11, the university was aware of over 50 undergraduate and graduate students that have been affected by the fires. Some have lost their homes and others have had to flee for safety.

In this moment of emergency, please join me and our community to raise support by making a gift to the Pacific University Student Emergency Fund. The fund provides vital assistance to our students facing unforeseen circumstances and can be used for critical needs such as rent, food, transportation, or other uses.

Please help to take care of yourselves and each other – and do not hesitate to reach out to let us know how Pacific University can help.

My Best,
Jenny Coyle '90, OD '93, MS '00
President