Pacific University

05/28/2026

In another fantastic example of scientific collaboration, biology students at Pacific participated in a chartered whale watching trip this spring, to see and learn about the marine ecology that supports our migratory whales, including the gray whales that are often seen on the Oregon Coast.

05/26/2026

Physician assistants — who are known as physician associates in Oregon — know that their work is always rewarding.

For PAs who are growing their careers into managerial or operational roles, a Doctor of Medical Science degree (DMSc) helps them continue to create meaningful change in their communities through leadership and roles in healthcare administration.

Applications for Pacific's DMSc Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 cohorts are open now!

Want to grow your PA career? Consider a DMSc degree from Pacific University and gain the skills to become a healthcare leader while also increasing your pay.

05/22/2026

Hannah Studer MSW ’16 learned early that a career in social work is about more than just providing services. Graduating in our first Master of Social Work cohort, Hannah now knows that it's about meeting people where they are to help them thrive in a challenging world.

Today, Hannah lives that mission — with fellow Pacific alumnus Brandon Dieckmann MSW '25, who Hannah taught while he was in our program — while leading one of Portland’s largest nonprofit social work organizations, Bridges to Change.

Hannah Studer MSW '16 is passing on the lessons of purpose that she learned in the first cohort of Pacific University's Master of Social Work program.

05/19/2026

What a great May Commencement! 😍 🎓🎉

05/17/2026

Here's to all of our brand-new Boxer Alumni! Congratulations on a great commencement ceremony today! 👏🎓🎉

05/15/2026

A respected member of the Pacific University faculty for nearly three decades and a leader in the fields of sports vision and vision therapy, Graham Erickson ’88, OD ’90 is the 2026 recipient of the Kamelia Massih Prize for a Distinguished Optometrist.

Dr. Erickson will accept the honor during our Graduate & Professional commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16.

The longtime Pacific University College of Optometry faculty member is regarded as an expert in sports vision and vision therapy.

05/14/2026

Our Grey Gown students are often noted as the key to the success of Pacific's commencement ceremonies.

Since 1942 we've honored eight junior year students — who dress in grey academic caps and gowns — with this duty to help direct their senior classmates through their graduation celebration. As of today, they have served during commencement for 84 years, and still represent some of the best and most engaged students from our junior class.

We've asked three 2026 Grey Gown students Kai Markle, Grace Finch and Kailani Ibanez how they feel about taking on this honor at our May Commencement Ceremony this weekend.🎓

05/11/2026

Pacific is proud to announce our valedictorian for the undergraduate Class of 2026 — Tiger Reimann '26.

A kinesiology major and sports management and leadership minor, Tiger’s studies have centered on the human body and on educating others on proper athletic training techniques to help prevent devastating injuries, like the torn hamstring that stunted his playing career.

It was not only a chance to gain real-world experience, but also to give back to a program and community so important to him, not to mention on that created the same atmosphere of community that he's experienced with us in his four years at Pacific.

Congratulations Tiger!

Tiger Reimann '26, Pacific Class of 2026 undergraduate valedictorian, hopes to help future athletes reach their best potential by learning from his own mistakes.

05/07/2026

Wishing all of our Boxers good luck during finals week! 🖤❤️

05/07/2026

Need a break from studying? Or just want to see some Boxer-created art? Visit the Forest Grove City Library, where you can see beautiful art from our students taking our Public Art Projects class!

Pacific students created fun "stained glass" murals that are currently hanging inside the library. Come see them when you get a chance!

05/06/2026

Physician assistants — who are now known as physician associates in Oregon — are valuable assets in our communities who provide compassionate and accessible medical care. Accessible healthcare is incredibly important in rural and underserved areas.

The Rural and Underserved Service Track (TRUST) at Pacific prepares physician assistant students to work with these populations. As a result, Pacific University alumni are more than twice as likely to work in rural areas or medically underserved communities than their peers nationally.

If you're ready to become a physicians assistant, applications to Pacific's program are open now! Learn more at pacificu.edu/blog/how-become-physician-assistant

Understand how to become a physician assistant. Find out about prerequisites, career prospects, and the rewarding path in healthcare.