The optometry program launched at Pacific in 1945 as a result of a combination of postwar challenges and unexpected opportunities. The needs of a small, temporarily shuttered optometry college in Northeast Portland helped meet the demands of a university that had limped through the war years. The outcome was the beginning of Pacific’s focus on the health professions.
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The university ranked in the top half of all its peers nationwide and also was named among the country's Best Value Schools and Best Colleges for Veterans.
A letter from President Hallick sent to the Pacific University community on Sunday, Sept. 13.
Willard “Wid” Bleything ’51, OD ’52, MS ’54 earned three degrees from Pacific University on his way to becoming an optometrist. He served in the Air Force and Air Reserves, retiring as a colonel, and he also worked in private practice for many years before eventually returning to Pacific, where he became the dean of the College of Optometry.
President Hallick sent this letter to the Pacific University community Friday afternoon.
All Pacific University activities for the evening of Thursday, Sept. 10 and all of Friday, Sept. 11 are being moved online in light of the severely degraded air quality from the region’s wildfires.
Outdoor Pursuits has canceled equipment and gear rentals through Sept. 13 due to poor air quality and safety concerns.
Our hearts are with our many neighbors, friends and family throughout the Pacific Northwest coping with the impact of wildfires
Pacific University undergraduates now have the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the world through the new Global Scholars Program. Starting with a first-year seminar and companion travel experience, participating students will complete a set of requirements focused on international and diverse perspectives, mastering a second language, studying or interning abroad, and finally integrating global learning into the senior capstone.