Notes From Under the Oaks
Each quarter the alumni staff gathers with a few other members of the University community to remember those who we have lost in recent months.
The list, which includes alumni, employees and others who spent meaningful time on campus, is sometimes mercifully short. Other times it is longer and difficult. Every name represents a loss.
Sometimes those losses are felt more deeply by those in the room. At our next ceremony on August 17 we will include Eva Krebs, who served as Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students for 17 years.
Although every name I read on August 17 will be painful, I know I’ll struggle to read Eva’s name. I simply cannot comprehend Pacific University without her.
The alumni remembrance ceremony is important not only to remember those who we lost have lost; it also acknowledges the tie that binds us all.
I may not personally know each person whose name I read, but I know we share the experience of having been a part of Pacific University. The history and tradition of this place is in our bones. The community, often compared to family, is in our soul.
Each quarter when I read those names I grieve for the families who have lost a loved one, but I also grieve for the University. However, we believe the connection of every alumnus and friend of the University never diminishes and they will always remain a part of Pacific’s long history.
Even as we face the loss of Eva, and a number of alumni, our summer is not all sadness as we continue to connect with alumni hear of their bond with Pacific University.
I look forward to visiting alumni in Hawaii this week for events on Kauai, Oahu and Maui.
Later this month we’ll celebrate big with the annual Legends Classic, hosted by Tommy Thayer.
On August 4, all parents of young children are invited to gather for Boxer Play Date where you can focus on your kids while visiting with other alumni.
And of course we’re always preparing for Homecoming which is coming at us fast! Make sure to mark your calendar for September 28-30 and look for registration materials in the mail within the next few weeks.
As always, please keep it touch! Send us your stories and don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance.
Best wishes,
Martha Calus-McLain ‘03
Director of Alumni Relations
Posted by Martha Calus-Mclain (calu0689@pacificu.edu) on Jul 17, 2012 at 4:36 PM
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