Pacific University

Use your social networks and ask people questions, says Mike Geraci '91. The first in his family to attend college, Geraci chose Pacific, where he went on to become an associate professor in the Department of Media Arts.

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.

Melissa Lowery '09 created a feature-length documentary, "Black Girl in Suburbia," about the experience of growing up Black in suburban Oregon. She continues the conversation, working in Portland-area high schools.

Aaron Fentress '91 chose Pacific for its journalism program. After graduation, he worked his way up at The Oregonian before becoming a cable TV sports commentator.

Rich Burk ’88 came to Pacific to play baseball and found a career as an announcer. Today, he’s the radio voice of Oregon’s newest minor league team, the Hillsboro Hops.