Tune into one of the Pacific Alumni Association’s virtual events. Past events will be archived and available below (with more coming soon!). The Alumni Association is actively creating virtual programming and events to support our alumni, students, parents, and friends. All recordings of past virtual events will be posted below.
If you were unable to join us for an event or presentation, you're invited to read below about our different event series and view any of the videos in our digital archive. To view past events, select the orange arrow from the series you are interested in viewing below.
Find upcoming virtual events
See what the Alumni Association has planned for virtual programming.
Join VP Scott Biedermann ‘05, ‘20 and fellow alumni from around the globe for a monthly series of lively and interactive conversations with Pacific's leaders of yesterday and today.
Archive
Head of Special Collections and Archives Mike Wurtz || September 12, 2024
Mike Wurtz is the Head of the University of the Pacific Holt-Atherton Special Collections and Archives. He oversees the use and preservation of the historical archives of nearly 500 collections such as the John Muir Papers, collections of Japanese American Internment during WWII, and the archives of the University of the Pacific. Since 1992, Wurtz has focused his archival career on providing access to the collections he curates. He has done so principally through public presentations and leading digitization initiatives.
Former Benerd College Dean Linda Webster || August 15, 2024
Linda Webster dedicated her professional life to Pacific. Over those years, she served in many different roles: faculty member, department chair, dean of Graduate Studies, two-time interim Dean of the Gladys L. Benerd School of Education. She was instrumental in preparing Benerd for the future when she played a critical role in the merger between two distinct colleges at Pacific, University College and the Gladys L. Benerd School of Education, to create Benerd College.
Former University Chaplain Father Silva || June 13, 2024
Father Robert Silva, a pastor and spiritual director, taught at University of the Pacific and was University Chaplain from 1971-1981. He was previously president of the Chicago-based National Federation of Priests’ Council.
Professor Mamoun Alhamadsheh || May 16, 2024
Dr. Mamoun Alhamadsheh is Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at University of the Pacific and co-founder at Eidos Therapeutics. He is only the third Pacific professor in more than 20 years to receive an R01—the highest level of $1.7M competitive research grants from the National Institutes of Health to discover a better antidote for opioid overdoses.
Professor Emeritus Bob Hanyak || April 18, 2024
Robert Hanyak '79 was instrumental in the development of the School of Health Sciences at the University of the Pacific. He was also an associate professor and chair of Pacific’s departments of audiology and speech-language pathology for many years. He has a Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Florida, a master’s degree from the University of Utah, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of the Pacific.
Professor Emerita Lynn Beck Brallier || March 21, 2024
Lynn Beck Brallier was a professor and dean of the Gladys L. Benerd School of Education, known today as Benerd College. She retired from the University of the Pacific in 2017 but remains involved as an emerita faculty and through her work with outreach efforts and with graduate students completing research projects. Dr. Beck Brallier is the author of eight books and numerous chapters and articles and the recipient of awards recognizing her leadership and service.
Professor Emeritus Keith Hatschek || February 8, 2024
Professor Emeritus Keith Hatschek discusses his book about the historic desegregation efforts of University of the Pacific jazz icon Dave Brubeck ’42, his wife Iola ’45 and legendary trumpeter Louis Armstrong. Hatschek was honored with the ASCAP Foundation’s 2022 Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Outstanding Book Award for his work on “The Real Ambassadors: Dave and Iola Brubeck and Louis Armstrong Challenge Segregation.”
Provost Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert || January 18, 2024
Grab your lab coat and join VP Scott Biedermann '05, '20 and Provost Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert to learn about her research as a molecular biologist, time as a Fulbright Scholar in Poland, and vision for the future of academics at Pacific.
Professor James Haffner || December 14, 2023
Join VP Scott Biedermann '05, '20 and Professor of Opera James Haffner for a demonstration of techniques used by performers to propel their presentations, and learn how alumni can use the same techniques in their professional life.
Dr. Ken Albala || November 16, 2023
Join VP Scott Biedermann '05, '20 for a virtual cooking demonstration with Food Historian and Professor of History Ken Albala.
Laurie Lichter-Heath || September, 2023
Join alumni from around the globe for a virtual conversation with Professor Emerita Laurie Lichter-Heath and Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Scott Biedermann '05, '20.
Dr. Rich Tenaza || August 17, 2023
Listen in on a virtual conversation with Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences Rich Tenaza and Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Scott Biedermann ‘05, ‘20.
Dr. Courtney Lehmann || July 13, 2023
Join VP Scott Biedermann ‘05, ‘20 and fellow alumni from around the globe for a lively and interactive conversation with Dr. Courtney Lehmann, English professor and Director of the Powell Scholar Program. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to hear Dr. Lehmann answer alumni submitted questions.
Dr. Jianhua Ren || June 8, 2023
Join VP Scott Biedermann ‘05, ‘20 and fellow alumni from around the globe for a lively and interactive conversation with Dr. Jianhua Ren, co-chair of the Chemistry department and advisor to the Stauffer summer research. Celebrate the impact of Dr. Ren’s 20 years at Pacific and take advantage of this unique opportunity to hear Dr. Ren answer alumni submitted questions.
Former VP of Student Life Judy Chambers '58 '60 || April 6, 2023
Join VP Scott Biedermann ‘05, ‘20 and fellow alumni from around the globe for a lively and interactive conversation with former VP of Student Life Judy Chambers '58 '60. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to hear Chambers answer alumni submitted questions.
President Christopher Callahan || March 6, 2023
Join VP Scott Biedermann ‘05, ‘20 and fellow alumni from around the globe for a lively and interactive conversation with President Callahan as we celebrate the impact and legacy of Pacific’s leaders of yesterday and today. Get to know our president as they discuss questions submitted by fellow Alumni.
Professor Emeritus Ralph Saroyan '64 || Feb. 2, 2023
Join VP Scott Biedermann ‘05, ‘20 and fellow alumni from around the globe for a lively and interactive conversation with Professor Emeritus Ralph Saroyan '64 as we celebrate the impact and legacy of Pacific’s leaders of yesterday and today.
Join Pacific President Christopher Callahan on a listening tour with lively and candid conversations. Alumni are welcome to share their ideas, questions or concerns, and fine out how we can all work together to advance University of the Pacific.
Archive
Regent Evan Dreyfuss '86 || May 3, 2021
Regent Evan Dreyfuss '86, Financial Analyst and Portfolio Manager with RMB Capital in New York, hosts the conversation about future plans for the University, as well as what you can do in your role as Pacific Alumni.
Regent Nava Fathi '95 || April 15, 2021
Regent Nava Fathi '95, Endodontist and owner of Samaritan Endodontics in San Jose, CA, hosts the conversation about future plans for the University, as well as what you can do in your role as Pacific Alumni.
Regent Rick Fleming || March 24, 2021
Regent Rick Fleming ’69, Retired Executive Vice President & CFO of USG Corporation in Chicago, IL, hosts the conversation about future plans for the University, as well as what you can do in your role as Pacific Alumni.
Regent Regent Anne Milne `78 || Dec. 9, 2020
Regent Anne Milne `78, Managing Director of Emerging Markets for Bank of America Merrill Lynch, interviews University President Callahan about key issues facing the University.
Conversations with Pacific Alumni who lead with purpose
Archive
Luis Reyes '76, Author || Sept. 28, 2022
Author Luis Reyes '76 ECC joined us virtually to discuss his latest book, "Viva Hollywood: The Legacy of Latin and Hispanic Artists in American Film" The book presents an in-depth history of the stars, films, achievements, and influence of the Hispanic and Latino community in Hollywood history. From the silent era to the present day, the book highlights Latinx artists and their often-overlooked challenges and unrecognized achievements, examining the stars on screen and also crew behind the scenes.
Dolores Huerta, Labor Leader and Community Organizer || June 23, 2021
Labor leader and community organizer Dolores Huerta began her educational journey at Pacific, before co-founding the United Farm Workers Union with Cesar Chavez. She was bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, in 2012.
Matt de la Peña '96, Newbery Award-winning Author || April 7, 2021
Matt de la Pena `96 is a Newbery Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of six critically-acclaimed young adult novels and several award-winning picture books. This is your chance to learn more about one of Pacific's most well-known authors!
Dr. Terry Maple '68, Author and Former Zoo Director || March 17, 2021
Dr. Terry Maple is the author of 12 books, including Zoo Man, an autobiography detailing the early years of his career as a zoo director, and Professor in the Zoo. Dr. Maple is best known for his visionary leadership in revitalizing Atlanta’s city zoo. During Dr. Maple's 18-year tenure as CEO, Zoo Atlanta became recognized as one of the world's most innovative zoological parks.
Marcie Spencer '81, Senior Producer for CBS News, Race and Culture Unit || March 3, 2021
Marcie Spencer ’81 is an award-winning television producer and writer. She is a longstanding producer for CBS News, producing content, breaking news segments, and special reports for 48 Hours and other CBS network clients. The recipient of multiple Emmy Award nominations, she currently serves as senior producer for the Race and Culture Unit at CBS News.
Dr. Sasha Larsen Akins '09 '11, Research Scientist at the Center for Global Infectious Disease Research || Feb. 24, 2021
Sasha Larsen Akins, Ph.D. '09 `11 is a Research Scientist III in the Center for Global Infectious Disease Research at Seattle Children's Research Institute, where she works to advance vaccines against deadly infectious diseases, including a clinical trial for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
President Emeritus Donald V. DeRosa, 23rd President of University of the Pacific || Feb. 3, 2021
A distinguished educator, Dr. DeRosa served as the 23rd president of University of the Pacific from 1995 to 2009. Under his leadership, undergraduate applications at Pacific increased 400%, the campus received $200 million in new and renovated facilities, and rankings improved to a top 100 University by US News.
Lamar Gibbs '10, Creative Mind and Founder of Zeus Collegiate || Jan. 27, 2021
Lamar Gibbs ’10, the creative mind and founder of Zeus Collegiate, launched The Tiger Collection in 2013. What started as an impromptu and spontaneous dorm room design has quickly become one of the region’s most recognizable collegiate brands, representing several universities.
Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz and Professor Leslie Jacobs || Nov. 18, 2020
McGeorge School of Law Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz moderates this conversation between Justice Anthony Kennedy, McGeorge Professor for the last 40 years, and Justice James Hardesty '75 LAW, as they share their experiences in the legal profession, on the Supreme Courts on which they have served, and their time at McGeorge.
Theodore B. Olson `62, Former Solicitor General of the United States || Nov. 11, 2020
Attorney Theodore B. Olson served as solicitor general in the George W. Bush administration. He worked to overturn California's same-sex marriage ban, chronicled in the documentary "The Case Against 8," and Tom Brady's post-"Deflategate" suspension. Most recently, he argued against the Trump Administration’s rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”).
Steven Goulart `80, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of MetLife, Inc. || Oct. 28, 2020
Steven Goulart `80 is executive vice president and chief investment officer of MetLife, Inc., and President of MetLife Investment Management. Named CIO in May 2011, Steve oversees $588.7 billion in total assets and more than 900 investment and support professionals around the world.
Sakena Yacoobi `77 `07, Founder/Director of Afghan Institute of Learning || Oct. 21, 2020
Dr. Sakena Yacoobi `77 `07 is an award-winning social innovator and founder/director of the Afghan Institute for Learning (AIL). Dr. Yacoobi founded AIL in 1995 as a way to provide training, education and healthcare to Afghans, with a particular focus on women and children. In 2005, Dr. Yacoobi was among the 1,000 women nominated to jointly receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Connie Rishwain `79, Former President of UGG and Vionic Group || Oct. 14, 2020
Connie Rishwain `79 catapulted the UGG shearling boot into a global brand with more than $1.5 billion in revenues during her two-decade tenure as president. She recently retired as president of the fast-growing Vionic Group.
Pete Carroll `73, `78, Seattle Seahawks Head Coach || Sept. 29, 2020
Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll `73 `78 has made a career out of helping people be the best they can be. He won a Super Bowl (2013) as Seattle coach and two national champions with the University of Southern California (2003, 2004). He was a standout during his playing career at Pacific, was an assistant coach for the Tigers, and has received the Pacific Distinguished Alumni Award.
John Chambers, Former Ceo Of Cisco Systems and Pacific Parent || Sept. 23, 2020
Wondering what the future of work will look like? Listen in as former Cisco Systems CEO John Chambers shares his predictions. The John T. Chambers Technology Center opened on July 1, 2001, in his honor. His son John J. Chambers ’03 is a Pacific alumnus.
Bill Dorfman, DDS `83, Celebrity Dentist || Sept. 16, 2020
Bill Dorfman, DDS `83 is not just a famous cosmetic and general dentist, he is THE most famous dentist worldwide. Affectionately known as "America's Dentist," he is widely recognized for creating smiles for many of Hollywood's brightest stars.
Michael Tubbs, Stockton Mayor || Sept. 2, 2020
Have you seen HBO’s “Stockton On My Mind” documentary? Join our chat with Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs. He was elected at age 26 as the first Black mayor in the city’s history. Tubbs, a Stockton native, is a graduate of Stanford University.
Jose Hernandez `84, Former Nasa Astronaut || Aug. 26, 2020
Need tips for dealing with social isolation? Bring your questions for former NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez `84!
Archive
From Couples to Copreneurs || May 28, 2020
A session featuring alumni couples who are entrepreneurs (aka “Co-preneurs”) – partners in love and business! Hear what these great business minds have to say about being in business with their spouse and advice for those wanting to take the plunge with their significant other.
Wine Time with Klinker Brick Winery || May 7, 2020
Come enjoy an educational wine tasting with Farrah Felton Jolley '09 and Stefan Jolley '09 of Klinker Brick Winery in Lodi! Featured wines will include a 2019 Albarino, a 2016 Farrah Syrah, and a 2016 Cabernet.
Pacific Pub Trivia Night with Bobbie Wallinger '64 '90 & Katie Ortega '18 || April 30, 2020
The pubs are closed but the games must go on! Grab your favorite beverage and join Bobbie Wallinger '64 '90 and Katie Ortega '18 in testing your Pacific knowledge.
Behind the Scenes with Dean Butler and K Pontuti || April 16, 2020
Join Media X professor K Pontuti and alumnus Dean Butler '79 as they discuss binge watching, career highlights, and the evolving media landscape.
Sip Sip Hooray: Wine Tasting 101 with Adam Caro and Chris Ortega '07 '10 || April 9, 2020
Enjoy an educational wine tasting with Adam and Chris of Oak Farm Vineyards in Lodi! Featured wines will include a 2018 Albariño and a 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Mixology 101 with Becca Wyant `13 || March 20, 2020
Cocktail & bartending basics and recipes with Becca Wyant, owner of Bar de Bex.
Archive
5 Questions with a Ukrainian with Conservatory of Music Professor Igor Veligan || March 16, 2022
With Russia's invasion of Ukraine ongoing, Conservatory of Music Professor Igor Veligan agreed to share his unique perspective about the conflict as a native Ukrainian. Professor Veligan joined the faculty of the Conservatory of Music in the fall of 2006. He holds the Master of Arts in violin performance and chamber music from Odessa State Conservatory, and has taught at the School for the Performing Arts in Ternopil, Ukraine. In Pacific's Conservatory, he teaches violin, viola and chamber music.
NFT Pizza Party with Anthony Shafer '97 || Jan. 26, 2022
Join creative director and blockchain artist Anthony Shafer '97 for a discussion about blockchain, NFTs and cryptocurrency. Shafer, recipient of Pacific's Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2003, previously worked for Industrial Light & Magic and the Walt Disney Company. He is co-founder of the group @rarepizzas, which threw a global pizza party on Bitcoin Pizza Day in 2020, buying over 100,000 pizzas worldwide using proceeds from the sale of 10,000 unique generative art NFT pizzas.
Fostering Belonging in the Workplace with Lyndon Huling '09 and Michael Orozco '15 || July 22, 2020
Join Pacific alumni Lyndon Huling `09 EDU and Michael Orozco `15 BUS in a panel discussion about belonging in the workplace, led by Pacific’s University Ombudsperson, Hector Escalante, where they will describe the steps they have taken to cultivate a culture of belonging at their workplace, while achieving their diversity and inclusion goals.
Craft Beer Law Lounge with Professor Daniel Croxall || July 15, 2020
Join Daniel Croxall, Associate Professor of Lawyering Skills and the author of the first craft beer law textbook, for an eyeopening discussion and learn about the good, bad, and the ugly in craft beer laws.
LGBTQ+ Legal Rights in the Post-Kennedy Era with McGeorge School of Law Professor Larry Levine || 6/25, 2020
McGeorge professor Larry Levine is a frequent panelist, lecturer, and speaker on legal issues involving torts and sexual orientation. Learn from him about the Supreme Court's gay rights jurisprudence in the post-Kennedy era, including its recent Title VII ruling in the midst of Pride month.
Tips for Managing Debt with Daniel Lungu '12 COP || June 24, 2020
Whether you just graduated this year or you have graduated long ago, it is important to have control of your personal finances. Join Financial Advisor Daniel Lungu `12 as he talks about how to manage debt, how to save, budget, and spend for your future.
Clearing the Air on Vaping with Chris Schueler '78 || June 17, 2020
Alumnus and filmmaker Chris Scheueler '78 discusses his career in film and his documentary “Vape,” a film about the use of e-cigarettes and the spectrum of health issues and dangers associated with these products.He shares his findings about the product and its various uses, as well as resources to encourage discussion.
Racial Justice: Continuing the Conversation with Dr. Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi || June 10, 2020
The civil unrest following the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd are spurring a national conversation about race. Join Dr. Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi '89 and Tracy Simmons on a discussion on how racism and inequalities impact our lives, and what we can do now.
Transcribing John Muir's Journals with Nicole Grady '05 || May 27, 2020
Join Special Collections Librarian Nicole Grady '05 in a transcription session and become "citizen curators" of Muir's journals. Unlock a door to history and make your own discoveries about what John Muir was thinking!
Navigating an Online Job Search with Christine Vo Sharp '06 || May 20, 2020
Christine Vo Sharp '06 of Robert Half, along with a panel of colleagues, has the information you need to help ensure your search for top talent or a new position is a success. Vo shares the latest hiring trends and tools you need to navigate staffing sites and impress potential employers online.
John Muir's Grand Yosemite: Musings and Sketches with Mike Wurtz || May 13, 2020
Mike Wurtz is the head of Pacific Libraries' Holt-Atherton Special Collections and Archives, home to the largest collection of Muiriana in the world. In this presentation we will determine the locations of Muir’s drawings, read from his writings, and get a bit of background about Muir and the Park.
Viva la Fiesta! Cooking Demo with Chef Marco Alvarado || May 8, 2020
Spice up your Friday with a fiesta-worthy feast! Executive Chef Marco Alvarado will be whipping up favorite recipes from street-style carne asada and fish tacos to made-from-scratch corn tortillas. Viva la Fiesta!
Cultural Humility During COVID-19 with Dr. Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi '89 and Hector Escalante '01 '18 || April 29, 2020
Join Dr. Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi '89 COP, Vice Provost for Diversity Engagement and Community Outreach at University of San Francisco, and Hector Escalante '01 '18 EDU, Ombudsperson at Pacific, for a discussion on creating a culture of care during challenging times.
Digital Networking Strategies with Cynthia Carr '91, Mathilde Patmon '13 '14, and Marshea Pratt '93 || April 15, 2020
Cynthia Karr '91 is Silicon Valley-based professional career advisor, working with individuals pursuing a change in their career as well as those interested in general career advice. Mathilde Patmon '13 '14 is the People and Operations Manager at Smartcar in Mountain View, CA. Marshea Pratt '93 oversees Pacific's Tiger-to-Tiger Networking platform.
The Kooped-Up Kitchen with Chef Marco || April 8, 2020
Join Executive Chef Marco Alvarado from Pacific's DeRosa University Center as he prepares pasta carbonara, roasted vegetables, and a simple house salad.
Rhythmic, Multilingual Storytelling for Children with Author Matthew Gollub '82 RAY/CAL || April 1, 2020
Join this virtual session with the kids in your lives for a virtual storytime hosted by Matthew Gollub `82 RAY/CAL. He will be doing a live story time and song session.
Navigating the New World of Working from Home with Elizabeth Johnson '87 || March 26, 2020
Elizabeth Johnson '87 will tap into more than 15 years of experience working remotely to answer questions and provide tips for helping you make your new reality less stressful and easier to navigate.
Archive
Education Beyond the Walls: How Pacific's Callison College || April 20, 2022
Listen to Frank Young '72 CAL discuss his book "47 Aerogrammes: A Passage Through India 1969-1970," which details his year studying in India with Pacific's Callison College.
Pacific Summer High School Institute || Feb. 8, 2022
Join President Callahan, Dr. Edie Sparks, and Dr. Maria Blandizzi for an engaging conversation to learn more about Pacific's new Summer Institute for High School Students.
Virtual Library Dedication and Tour || Nov. 30, 2021
Take a virtual tour of the William Knox Holt Memorial Library and see what's new! Presented by Naraj Chaudhary, Associate University Librarian.
Managing Your Finances During COVID-19 || May 21, 2020
Join Jonelle Beck `00, CA licensed attorney, AVP, Office of Estate & Gift Planning, Asst. General Counsel, Trusts & Estates as she host panelists to discuss the current financial outlook and planning for your future.
Morning Coffee and Yoga || March 31, 2020
Participate in this virtual yoga class led by Annmarie Obligacion `10 to will help you maintain your self-care routine, gain balance, strength, gratitude and calm — with no travel time or weather concerns.
AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions are an opportunity for you to get to know alumni who are rising stars in their respective professional careers on a deeper level. Utilize the session to ask questions and learn about their career path, personal growth & journey, future goals, and insider tips on pursuing job search/internship opportunities.
Archive
Ask Me Anything with Ashley Watanabe '16 || Nov. 7, 2022
Ashley Watanabe '16 is a Senior Manager and Growth Marketer. Ashley graduated with a B.S. in Engineering Management from Pacific, then completed her MBA at UC Davis in 2021. She's worked at a variety of technology companies including Accenture, Intel, Workday, Salesforce and Bill.com. Her experience includes management consulting, operations, partnerships and marketing.
Ask Me Anything with Ryan Bowling '98 || Oct. 5, 2022
Our inaugural featured speaker is Ryan Bowling `98, Global Communications Executive and COO for Thrill Communications.
Join President Christopher Callahan in conversation.
Archive
Alumni Conversation with the President || Nov. 14, 2024
An engaging virtual event with University of the Pacific President Christopher Callahan to connect with alumni and hear the latest updates on university initiatives.
Conversation with AD Adam Tschuor || Aug. 15, 2023
President Christopher Callahan speaks with Adam Tschuor, Pacific's new Athletic Director, to talk about the successes behind him and opportunities ahead.
