Pacific University

Taylor Baker ’17 is a dance student at Pacific University, pursuing a career in her art. “If I hadn’t have come here, I don’t think I would have had the courage to pursue a career in dance,” she said. “No one had told me that I was talented enough to be a professional dancer. I heard from my advisor that I was talented enough and I had the ability to pursue my dreams. To have a support system here that pushes people to be the best they can be is really awesome.

Harley Kelley '55 came to Pacific to study journalism, but left with a pre-med major. A surgeon, Kelley was drafted into Vietnam and later returned to the Army after a career in private practice. Today, he volunteers his medical skills in his community and volunteers with World War II veterans on the Honor Flight.

Debbie (Kerlinger) O'Dea '06 found a home at Pacific — one so caring that she strives to create the same experience for other students.

Barbara (Williams) Crandall '66 bucked convention to major in math and work in early software development.

The Master of Social Work Program opened new professional doors for Hannah Struder MSW '16.

"I think social work picked me.” Gustavo Presidente MSW ’16 was volunteering and working when he decided to advance his career with a master in social work from Pacific University.

It was April 29, 1994. During their 8 a.m health class, Tracy with her usual blue ball cap pulled down over her sleepy eyes, was talking about going water skiing that afternoon with mutual friends, mostly fellow wrestlers. 

Katey Schultz MFA ’08 is the author of Flashes of War, a compilation of short fiction stories about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Go behind the scenes to learn how she wrote the book and how Pacific’s MFA Program helped.

As a federal judge, Pacific Hall-of-Famer Rick Carnaroli ’80 has an inside look at the legal system. That’s why he helped establish a veterans treatment court to serve the veterans falling through the cracks.

When her then-husband went to war, Stacy Bannerman’s life turned upside down. She turned it around as an advocate for the families of military families and a published author with an MFA in Writing from Pacific University.

Norm Scott '63 spent 30 years in the U.S. Navy. Upon his retirement, he dedicated himself to supporting wounded warriors through Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing in Spokane.

Mallory Hiefield ’17 switched sports in the middle of her college years, finding herself on a conference championship team. In the meantime, she has pursued a rigorous academic path and been elected Undergraduate Student Sentate president.