Information for Community

Pacific University is at the heart of its communities.

We're the only comprehensive university in Washington County. The City of Forest Grove grew up around the fledgling campus, founded in 1849, and our campus today sits at the center of downtown Forest Grove. We've since expanded to Hillsboro, where our campus is in the middle of the Health & Education District.

Our students, employees and alumni live, learn, work and serve right here in our local communities. We're one of the top employers in Forest Grove and have deep connections and partnerships with local government, business and nonprofit organizations.

Our Early Learning Community offers education for local children. Our physical and mobile healthcare clinics serve patients throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. And our students and alumni are on the front lines of our communities — the vast majority working in schools and healthcare systems.

We're committed to being active community members, partners and neighbors. 

We welcome the public to enjoy access to a wealth of resources on our campuses, from libraries to athletic facilities.

Quick Links

  • Lifelong Learning
    • Early Learning Community: The Forest Grove Campus is home to the Early Learning Community, a private preK through fourth-grade school open to the community.
    • Undergraduate, Graduate & Professional Programs: Continue your education by exploring degree programs through Pacific.
    • Pacific Libraries: Community members are welcome to use the Forest Grove and Hillsboro campus libraries during open hours. Guests may use library materials in-house, and those with memberships at partner libraries (including Washington County Cooperative Library Services) may borrow some materials.
  • Employers & Partners
  • Healthcare
    • Pacific Clinics: Pacific operates a wide variety of healthcare clinics throughout the greater Portland area, as well as mobile clinics serving the community with dental hygiene and optometric care.
  • Explore Campus
    • Public Events: We welcome our community to attend a variety of campus events, from art exhibits to performances.
    • Athletics: Cheer on the Boxers as they complete in 24 NCAA Division III sports.
    • Community Tours: Arrange a personalized tour for your school or community group. 

Upcoming Events

Public Events
Retirement Celebration for Michael Burch-Pesses and Lorely French
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Other Location

Celebrate the retirements of Professors Michael Burch-Pesses and Lorely French.

Old College Hall Open House - May 2025
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Forest Grove, Old College Hall

All are welcome to drop in at Old College Hall to learn the history of the building and its place in Pacific University's history.

May Commencement
Forest Grove, Lincoln Park Athletic Complex, Hanson Stadium

May Commencement features two ceremonies: one celebrating undergraduate candidates and one celebrating graduate/professional candidates. Pacific University celebrated the Class of 2025 on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Northwest Residents Conference | 2025
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Forest Grove

Come home to the Forest Grove Campus each June to learn from Pacific University College of Optometry residents affiliated with residency programs throughout North America.

A rapid-fire format provides the opportunity for each resident to deliver a 30-minute discussion on topics that may include cornea and contact lenses, geriatric optometry, ocular disease, pediatric optometry, primary eye care, refractive and ocular surgery, refractive and surgical co-management or vision therapy and rehabilitation.

Earn COPE continuing education credits and support our residents as we celebrate their accomplishments.

175th Anniversary Tour — Denver
Other Location

Save the date for when our 175th Anniversary Tour comes to Denver, Colorado, and connect with Pacific leaders, fellow Boxers and more to celebrate our rich history and bold plans for the future!