News, Media and Stories | Veterans

Support for veterans
Pacific University was named one of the West’s most supportive schools for military veterans by MilitarySupportiveColleges.com. It is one of three private institutions in Oregon that was highlighted for its full commitment to the Yellow Ribbon tuition program.
Carl Boeck '75
Pacific University Alumnus Carl Boeck '75 enlisted after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and went on to deliver the gift of sight to people in places around the world where the military was conducting civil affairs work.
Manalo meets Obama
Serving in the Air Force set Karen Mae Manalo PharmD ’21, MBA ’21 on a course she couldn't have charted on her own.
Walker
Chris Walker ’21 received the Pacific University College of Arts & Sciences Dean of Students Award.
Irisa Grimes '17, OTD '20
For Irisa Grimes ’17, OTD ’20 the sky is the limit. Grimes is passionate about veterans’ health, social justice, healthcare equity and intersectionality. We first introduced you to Grimes in 2017. Read more about what this outstanding alumna has been up to since then. 
Honoring All Who Served
Today, on Veterans Day, we pause to acknowledge those who have put on a uniform for this country. But this is not the only day that veterans need or deserve our thanks and attention.
Pacific optometry alumnus and professor Bill Hefner OD ‘96, MEd ‘97 is a commander in the Kansas Air National Guard. He played a key role in the state’s response to the spread of COVID-19.
Chris Walker '21
For Chris Walker ’21, Nov. 11 is more than just his birthday — it is also a time to remember his nearly six years of service in the United States Marine Corps. Read about his experience in Afghanistan, and at Pacific University. 
Jon Larson '14
Jon Larson '14 plays for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. He majored in music education at Pacific, and serves as a piano instrumentalist, team leader, arranger and is also in charge of staging for the band.
Wid Bleything at Veteran's Day
Willard “Wid” Bleything ’51, OD ’52, MS ’54 earned three degrees from Pacific University on his way to becoming an optometrist. He served in the Air Force and Air Reserves, retiring as a colonel, and he also worked in private practice for many years before eventually returning to Pacific, where he became the dean of the College of Optometry.

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