I began my student affairs career at Pacific in 1985. Judy became the president of the National Association of Student Personal Administrators (NASPA) during my years at Pacific. Judy was a role model for what it means to be student centered. Today I am an Associate Vice President in Student Affairs and I honestly would not be the professional I am today without my time at Pacific and Judy’s example.
—Diane Andrews
Judy was certainly one "essential human." I met Judy on the sidewalk outside Hand Hall on my very first day at Pacific. She walked right up to me, introduced herself, and gave me a big kiss on my cheek, saying, "we are so glad you're here and I'm confident you will do great things for our students." I will never forget that day and she will continue to inspire the work I do in higher education for students. Thank you for you, Judy.
—Dan Shipp
When I was a student at Pacific, I was immediately taken by her understanding of student life (although she was admittedly many years beyond the age of our typical student) and her passion for UOP.
After hearing her speak at a prospective student event, I not only applied to attend Pacific on the spot, I also submitted my application to represent my freshman class in the ASUOP student government. It was my pleasure to learn from her example during my time at Pacific.
A true icon.
—Stephanie Gandy Riley
I first met Judy at freshman orientation in the fall of 1982. After her remarks, she had a little heart to heart with me since my father was a Dean and encouraged me to experience all that Pacific had to offer. Many years later, I was fortunate to have an office just down the hall form Judy when we both worked in Hand Hall for the central Office of Development. I often sought her sage advice and Judy was always so supportive and encouraging. And she never failed to make me laugh!
—Jim Dugoni
Judy was simply the most unique, talented, caring human I ever was privileged to know. She was always genuine…always. For my 19+ years at the University and 20+ years in Stockton, she was my neighbor as well as colleague and friend. I would see her on my morning runs as she was getting her daily walk in and we would visit briefly (and laugh or discuss something more serious) (and then laugh). It was ALWAYS the best part of my day. I was honored to be able to call her my friend.
—Lynn King
I used to work at Pacific as the Assistant Director for Student Involvement. I had heard all about Judy Chambers and her impact on Pacific and at NASPA, the professional association for Student Affairs. When I won an award at NASPA, Judy reached out to congratulate me and wanted to go to lunch. She made me feel seen and that the work I was doing for our students mattered. Even though I was working in the SAC, every time I entered the Judy Chambers Student Life suite, I could feel her energy.
—Clarissa Mae Calimbas
I write as a long-time friend and great admirer of Judy, whom I have known for 70+ years. I first met her at YWCA Camp in Glendale, where we attended high school together. The amazing thing about Judy is that at age 87 she was EXACTLY the same as she was at age 15: a true leader, always kind and thoughtful toward others, a mesmerizing speaker, and of course, her wit and joyous laughter endeared her to all. We have kept in close touch through the years. She was and always will be my idol.
—Mary Kent Knight
I remember the first time I had dinner with Judy – when I was interviewing at Pacific! That became a series of dinners that I have treasured. I so loved hearing her stories, joy, laughter and love for all that is the amazing Pacific community. The Pacific community will continue to stand on the shoulders of Judy Chambers. I believe she will continue to embrace and shine on Pacifican's everywhere – always her students.
—Julie Sina
Judy was a friend and mentor to many of us who knew her at Pacific. Throughout my time at the university, she was one that I could turn to for advice, insight, and to just listen. My favorite memory was when she and I drove over to the annual NASPA regional Judy Chambers Dinner. I had a great experience listening to her talk about her time at Pacific, laughing with her as she shared some amazing stories, and just being able to learn from her. Thank you for everything Judy. I will miss you.
—Steve Jacobson
I met Judy when she was a freshman. She said at that time she was going to be Dean of Girls of Pacific! We went on to be in Zeta Phi sorority together.
—Sally (Gannon) Cain
Judy was a mentor for me for many years. I was the manager at Morris Chapel and we planned her wedding at Morris Chapel. I was very drawn to her and used her for my mentor for everything I did. I’m so sad...rest in peace, my friend.
—Jan Wammack
Judy embodied the core values of NASPA in her daily life as administrator, teacher, mentor and friend. She was witty, creative, caring and a change-maker. As a newbie to NASPA, Judy became my mentor, colleague and friend. Her smile, energy and let's-get-this-done-together attitude will be missed. Well Done Judy. Your colleague/friend, Doug Woodard, Professor Emeritus, University of Arizona.
—Doug Woodard
Judy was a member of our student council when she was a freshman. I was student body president and chaired the council. She became a leading voice on the council. She was fun loving and deadly serious simultaneously. She related to all factions on the council and was admired and respected by all of us. We saw the attributes then that would make her an outstanding personality in the UOP legacy for seven decades.
—Don Fado
There are stars whose radiance is visible on Earth though they have long been extinct. There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world though they are no longer among the living. These lights are particularly bright when the night is dark. They light the way for humankind. -Hannah Senesh, poet, playwright, and paratrooper (17 Jul 1921-1944).
—John Evey
Judy was a good friend, I love her and will miss her.
—Gordon Clark
I met Judy while a student yet it wasn’t until I joined Pacific’s development team in 2003 that we forged a deep and cherished friendship. It truly was God’s divine grace that reconnected us. Her life lessons were grounded in love, steeped in wisdom, riddled with humor and deeply thoughtful. She was my mentor, friend, confidant, and a blessing. Judy was a rare and precious light that will eternally shine brightly for those who knew and loved her.
—Georgette Hunefeld
When I began as a freshman in 1957 I was frightened to have left home. We filled out a questionnaire and I reported that I didn’t want to be there. After she had read my paper she called me into her office. We talked and it was painful. I decided to stay there at Pacific. I made it and graduated in 1961. Thanks Judy. You have no idea how important you were to me.
—Diann Shadwell Stevens
Judy and I were very close friends for years. She was the Empress to our investment club, which became rich, primarily in friendships and fun. Her love for the university and its students was undeniable. She was an incredible help to our daughter while there. Judy was an outstanding speaker, an absolutely hilarious and fun friend and an all around wonderful human being. She never missed an opportunity to sing the praises of the university and she will always be greatly admired and missed.
—Karen Munro
Judy is inspriational, a mentor's mentor, kind, funny, smart, loving, genuine, professional, caring, authentic, and someone who everyone can look up to. During her life, she left no stone unturned. Her lasting gift to all who know her will be the greatest of memories. She left this world a better place than when she arrived. We will all miss her, but she is now the stars in the sky, the wind around us, the angel looking over us – she is with us and we are better for knowing her. Grateful!
—Steve Whyte
I met Judy in the fall of 1985, as I gave a university tour. She complimented me on my storytelling and stated her husband Dewey would adore me. She encouraged me to make the most of student life and continue my exemplary representation of UOP. I went on to host prospective students, serve in RHA & ASUOP, join and be president of Alpha Phi Omega, and graduate from the Gladys L. Bernard School of Education for which she & Dewey, as my advisor, played major roles. Thank you for all you accomplished. Rest in peace.
—Jaren Tonkin
Judy met my mother, Joan Darrah, when she was studying for her EDD in 1975. Judy and my mother were best friends and walked together each morning through Judy's illustrious university career and mom's political career. When Joan died in 2007, Judy stuck by my father and eventually they married in 2010. After he died in 2015, I became even closer to our cherished Judy. UOP was the original connection that fostered decades of friendship, family, love and support.
—Jeanne Darrah
I met Judy through Rotary. What a wonderful person. She knew how to make you feel comfortable. If I did not have a smile on my face before I saw her, one grew in a matter of seconds. I like to refer to Judy as a standup person. Whenever I saw her I would stand up to greet her :) She will be dearly missed. RIP!
—Craig Walters
Knowing and being a friend to Judy Chambers has been a privilege. The most honorable, kind and funny woman I know. She was always grateful for her life and family and many friends she had all over the country. Remarkably humble, you only heard of her achievements and numerous rewards from friends, never from her. I will miss my dearest friend always. She has a table next to God where she is laughing, chatting with friends and family while she sips her favorite chardonnay.
—Harjit Sud MD
Judy hired me at Pacific in the Sesquicentennial Office in 2000. She was one in a million. She kept you smiling with her razor sharp and cared deeply about the university its students. She always made you feel valued. She accomplished so much in her career and life, a charismatic and visionary leader and a quintessential delegator. I was glad to call her friend as well as colleague.
—Sheri Grimes
Judy was a student-focused leader who I will remember for always making time for student reporters from The Pacifican. Her passion and love for Pacific was infectious.
—Trent Allen
