News, Media and Stories | Commencement

Jefferson Hall College of Optometry
Schnider, a 1982 Pacific University optometry alumnus, will receive the award at Pacific’s Graduate & Professional Commencement, where she also will be the keynote speaker
Bill Stoller
Stoller, a 1974 Pacific University undergraduate alumnus, will receive an honorary doctor of letters at Pacific’s Undergraduate Commencement, where he also will be the keynote speaker
A group of August 2019 Pacific University graduates tossing caps on Marsh Hall steps while families take photos
The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, on the Marsh Hall East Lawn on the Forest Grove Campus. Tickets are free but required for all guests.
Leiana Petlewski '21
A dance and applied theatre double major, Leiana Petlewski '21 was selected as Pacific’s undergraduate valedictorian for May 2021 Commencement. They also were named the university’s Outstanding Senior in Applied Theatre (along with fellow graduate Julia Peterson ’21), Outstanding Senior in Dance, and Outstanding Senior in the Arts.
The words "Class of 20021 Pacific University" on a photo of Marsh Hall
The pre-recorded video ceremonies for undergraduate students and graduate/professional students will go live on the university’s YouTube channel at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Grad cap decorated with RDH
Due to current COVID-19 trends and restrictions, this large-scale gathering is not feasible in August. The CDC continues to recommend against large gatherings, including for people who are fully vaccinated, and current guidance restricts Pacific from hosting guests at university events, on or off campus. While we are disappointed to miss the traditional ceremony, we are committed to honoring and celebrating the achievements of our graduating students.
From President Hallick
Pacific will offer hybrid approaches to recognizing spring graduates, including small photo shoot opportunities and a virtual ceremony.
Commencement Pacific University Class of 2020
Pacific University celebrates more than 300 August graduates in health-related fields.
Yu-Chi Tai
Pacific University will celebrate its first class of graduates from its new bachelor of applied vision science program at its summer commencement on Aug. 8.
Karolyn Ismay
When Pacific celebrates its virtual August Commencement, a group of seven students will represent the first class of an interdisciplinary doctorate program aimed at experienced professionals in healthcare and education.

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