Pacific University

When Mike Steele was told he should go to college, he named the best he'd heard of: Notre Dame. One of the most beloved professors at Pacific University, Steele went from being the first in his family to attend college to earning a PhD and living a career in academia.

Mark Loomis OTD '17 spent more than 10 years as a search-and-rescue swimmer in the Navy, serving in the Middle East. He's since embarked on a new career as an occupational therapist, hoping to help other veterans with the transition to civilian life.

The first in his family to attend college, Bob Fitzmorris '08 now tells students to focus on what they love. "Your dream job doesn't even exist yet."

A high-school counselor once doubted Jennifer Hardacker's ability to attend college. Hardacker was the first in her family to go to college and has gone on to earn a master of fine arts, become an award-winning filmmaker, and teach at Pacific University.

Jeff Grundon '80 was the first in his family to attend college. Today, he recruits other students to Pacific University.

The Pacific University School of Pharmacy is home to a state-of-the-art research lab.

"Pacific has made me who I am and has set me up for success."

"We give because Pacific is a part of our family."

" I had a really, really good education, and even more than that, I had a great mentor."

"I give to the success of my current and future students."

"Pacific is a great place to be, and giving back keeps me involved in the university."

“If it wasn’t for those who gave before me, I wouldn’t be able to attend Pacific.”