Alelih Galvadores ’24 received numerous scholarships at University of the Pacific, including one funded entirely by donations during Pacific Gives, the university’s annual day of giving.   

The support allowed her to discover an unexpected calling as a music therapist, complete an internship at a California state prison and finish her Bachelor of Music degree last August.  

“I had no way to pay for any higher education. The scholarships were the only way I could attend the university,” Galvadores said.   

“I wish donors could understand how their support directly helps students grow into educated professionals who help the neediest in our community. The donors are the people who helped me make that difference.”  

Pacific Gives returns April 23-24 from noon to noon. For 24 hours, the university will call on alumni and friends to give any amount supporting students and the programs that empower them. Last year, more than 3,500 donors made gifts of all sizes totaling $1.8 million.  

“Pacific Gives showcases the powerful, collective generosity of this community, and the difference we make when we all give together,” said Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president for development and alumni relations.   

“This day exemplifies the power of philanthropy and underscores—for everyone involved—that at Pacific, we all are part of something far greater than ourselves.”  

Early giving kicked off April 1. For a limited time, gifts up to $100 will be doubled thanks to a generous early giving match from former Pacific Regent Fredric Nelson.  

Other matches will multiply the impact of donations, while participation challenges will allow donors to unlock additional funds for their favorite causes.   

Pacific Gives features opportunities to impact all nine colleges and schools. Donors can also support Pacific Athletics with a gift to any of the Tigers’ 17 sports teams, the Pep Band or the Tiger Dancers.  

The first $5,000 in gifts to the Pacific Emergency Fund will be matched dollar for dollar by the Emeriti Society board, a group of honorably retired Pacific faculty. Since the current academic year began, the fund has helped more than 100 students afford emergency transportation, medical procedures, bill payments and necessities.  

“The emergency fund helped me through a great ordeal,” said one recipient, a senior biological sciences major wishing to remain anonymous.   

“At the time I didn’t have enough money to afford a needed dental procedure, and this money saved me from a lot of pain and discomfort. Although the emergency funds couldn’t cover my entire bill, the gift helped take away a huge amount of stress.”  

All gifts, no matter the size, make a difference. Of that $1.8 million total last year, 83% came through gifts of less than $100.  

In addition to giving, all Pacificans are encouraged to sign up as Pacific Gives Ambassadors and promote the day in their personal networks. Ambassadors who participate in the You + 2 initiative—those who give and recruit two additional donors—receive exclusive Pacific Swag. Last year, 306 Ambassadors generated $280,000 in gifts.   

“It’s always a joy to feel the energy of Pacific Gives, and the great love people have for the university and our amazing students,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan.  

“Every year, Pacificans shatter giving records, turn up in greater numbers, give more and engage their family, friends and colleagues in new and creative ways. Pacific Gives brings out the best in all of us, and Jean and I are proud to be a part of it.”  

To give early or become a Pacific Gives Ambassador, visit Pacific.edu/PacificGives.