Pacific University

Computer science and music offer the best of both worlds.

Zoey Mendoza Zimmerman '95 lived through the worst a parent can imagine. In 2010, her husband shot and killed their two children and then himself. In the past five years, she has struggled to live with grief and open her heart to the future— while holding on to her children's memories and helping other grieving parents do the same.

A deeply involved member of Pacific University’s Student Religious Council, Fran O’Brien '65 had a fundamental belief in social justice. It was that belief that led her to become the only Pacific University student to participate in the Freedom Summer of 1964.

Rachel Seibert BSW '12 was called to medical social work — and to Randall Children’s Hospital — by personal experience. At 18, she was in an accident that nearly claimed her life. She was treated at Randall for more than two years by some of the same people who are, today, her colleagues.

Use your social networks and ask people questions, says Mike Geraci '91. The first in his family to attend college, Geraci chose Pacific, where he went on to become an associate professor in the Department of Media Arts.

When Mike Steele was told he should go to college, he named the best he'd heard of: Notre Dame. One of the most beloved professors at Pacific University, Steele went from being the first in his family to attend college to earning a PhD and living a career in academia.

Mark Loomis OTD '17 spent more than 10 years as a search-and-rescue swimmer in the Navy, serving in the Middle East. He's since embarked on a new career as an occupational therapist, hoping to help other veterans with the transition to civilian life.

The first in his family to attend college, Bob Fitzmorris '08 now tells students to focus on what they love. "Your dream job doesn't even exist yet."

A high-school counselor once doubted Jennifer Hardacker's ability to attend college. Hardacker was the first in her family to go to college and has gone on to earn a master of fine arts, become an award-winning filmmaker, and teach at Pacific University.

Jeff Grundon '80 was the first in his family to attend college. Today, he recruits other students to Pacific University.

The Pacific University School of Pharmacy is home to a state-of-the-art research lab.

"Pacific has made me who I am and has set me up for success."