Pacific University Plans Week of Special Events Celebrating Inauguration of President Jenny Coyle

Pacific University is proud to celebrate the inauguration of its 18th president, Dr. Jennifer Coyle ‘90, OD ‘93, MS ‘00, on Thursday, March 9, 2023. A week of special events celebrating Pacific’s mission — including the inauguration ceremony — are open to the public.

Inauguration Ceremony

The inauguration ceremony takes place at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 9, in the Stoller Center on Pacific’s Forest Grove Campus. The ceremony includes a formal processional of faculty, staff and delegates from a dozen academic institutions; remarks from faculty, staff, students and alumni; and performances by student music and dance groups. Dr. Coyle will give her inauguration address, “Dwell in Possibility,” and will be presented with the traditional medallion, hood and mace of the president. A reception will immediately follow. Attendance is free, but registration is requested for planning purposes.

Inauguration Week Events

In the week leading up to the inauguration, Pacific will host a series of special events celebrating its mission to inspire students to think, care, create, and pursue justice in the world. Most events are free and open to the public, but registration is requested for planning purposes.

Community Health Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 4, Forest Grove Campus Parking Lot C: The College of Optometry, College of Health Professions and community partners offer on-site patient care services, including vision, dental, blood pressure cholesterol/lipid and blood sugar screenings, as well as patient education and tours of mobile healthcare units. Walk-up services are free and open to the public.

Early Learning Community Showcase, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 4, Berglund Hall: Visit Pacific’s on-site school for preschool through fourth-grade students, including the Brim Family Outdoor Learning Center and indoor spaces. Learn how Pacific is enriching the education of its youngest students and preparing teachers to serve our communities. 

Raku Firing Art Demonstration, 11 a.m. and noon, Saturday, March 4, Brown Hall: Students and faculty in the studio arts program demonstrate the Raku glazing technique to fire small Boxer statues. Each demonstration takes about 20 minutes. Stop by to watch this unique art technique.

Graphic Design Showcase, March 6-9, Walter Hall: Take a self-guided tour of a gallery of work showcasing the work of Pacific’s graphic design students. The lower level of Walter Hall will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from Monday, March 6, through Thursday, March 9.

Film & Video Showcase, 11:45 a.m., Monday, March 6, Taylor Auditorium, Marsh Hall: The Department of Media Arts presents a lunchtime screening of student films.

State of Athletics & Athletes Panel, 7 p.m. Monday, March 6, Online: Athletic Director Keith Buckley presents the State of Athletics at Pacific, and Boxer students and recent alumni share perspectives on life as Division III student-athletes. Advance registration is required for access to the Zoom presentation.

Caring Through Discovery Exposition, noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 8, Hillsboro Campus: Guests will have an opportunity to tour Pacific’s Hillsboro Campus, including the mobile dental clinic and several public healthcare clinics. Faculty and students also will present an exhibition of scholarly accomplishments highlighting how the College of Health Professions works to improve healthcare for all.

Women Change the World, 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, Taylor Auditorium, Marsh Hall, and online: On International Women’s Day, an alumnae panel of women leaders will discuss their varied career paths as changemakers. Dr. Jenny Coyle moderates the panel discussion, which features Denise Aquino ‘18, MAT ‘19, Lorraine Basch ‘17, Caroline Bastian ‘04, Leah Dunbar MAT ‘00, and Bre McGhee OD ‘16, MEd ‘16. Advanced registration is required.

Discovering, Creating and Learning Together Symposium, Thursday, March 9, Stoller Center: Before the inauguration ceremony begins, explore how Pacific University students and faculty are discovering and advancing knowledge. Students and faculty will co-present micro-lectures on the findings of their collaborative scientific and creative research, as well as offer poster and audio-visual presentations.

Continuing Education Opportunities: Pacific also hosts two continuing education opportunities for alumni and professionals on March 4. The College of Education presents a session for speech-language pathologists and teachers focused on dyslexia. This session is sold out. The College of Optometry hosts a session on surgical management for optometrists. Participation in the optometry session is $40 and requires separate registration.

About Dr. Coyle

Jenny Coyle became the 18th president of Pacific University on July 1, 2022, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, healthcare and leadership. She is a Pacific University alumna (the first graduate to serve as president), parent and former professor and dean

Most recently dean of the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University, she earned her bachelor of vision science in 1990, doctor of optometry in 1993, and master of science in vision science in 2000, all from Pacific. She also completed a residency in contact lenses in 1993-1994 at Pacific and taught in the College of Optometry starting in 1994. She served as associate dean from 2006 to 1008 and as dean from 2008 to 2019.

As a first-generation college student, she brings first-hand experience to leadership of Pacific, where more than a quarter of students — undergraduates to doctoral candidates alike — are the first in their families to attend college. In the course of her first months as president, she has hosted more than 100 Conversations About Community with students, alumni, employees and friends, as she prepares to launch a strategic planning process for the next chapter of Pacific University.

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023