
Dr. Mary J. Lomax-Ghirarduzzi, Pacific’s vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, shares about the impact of mentorship.
Featured articles by Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi
"The impact of a great mentor," Pacific Newsroom, August 8, 2023
"June Community Letter: A day to remember; a year to embrace," Pacific Newsroom, June 13, 2023
"Pacific's successful DEI work," Pacific Newsroom, May 9, 2023
"Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month," Pacific Newsroom, April 5, 2023
"Celebrating Women's History Month," Pacific Newsroom, Mar. 2, 2023

University of the Pacific’s DEI Framework of Excellence is an institutional blueprint for DEI in higher education. Designed by Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi, Pacific’s inaugural vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer, this transformative framework is designed to integrate DEI into all aspects of campus life and operations.
Comprised of approximately 40 faculty, staff and students, this committee is a collaborative partner in creating and sustaining a university-wide culture that consistently reflects diversity, equity and inclusion as a core value. The committee also sponsors the Champions of Diversity Awards and helps fund campus DEI work with grants.

University Development and Alumni Relations has embarked on a scholarship campaign for Black students.
Nearly $200,000 in new gifts to support Black students, including $102,792 raised for the new Lift Every Voice Endowed Scholarship, led by Regent Chair Norman Allen, and $87,500 to establish the Diversity and Inclusion Endowed Scholarship for Black Students. Allen said the scholarship effort will support Black students with unmet financial needs and strong leadership traits.
ASuop President Scout Cooper-Wilson says the governing body will emphasize diversity, equity and inclusion. She speaks about her goals and hopes in an interview.


Huerta said growing up in Stockton, where her friends and neighbors were from all corners of the world, and attending Pacific had an impact on her trajectory as an activist and organizer.
“University of Pacific had such a great influence on my life,” she told an online audience in Pacific’s Leading Voices speaker series.
The Division of Student Life has created many DEI-related programs and events during fall semester, with an emphasis on financial aid education, health and wellness, study skills, spiritual life, gender equity and student success for Black, Latino, Native American, Asian American, LGBTQ and first-generation college students.


DEI leads report progress for all colleges, schools
President Christopher Callahan’s goals to improve social justice and diversity and to make University of the Pacific a model anti-racist institution will take the efforts of all members of the university community.

Music with purpose
A collective group of student leaders from Pacific music fraternities, student-run ensembles and the Conservatory of Music Student Senate came together to organize the first Black Lives Matter Solidarity Concerts to raise awareness and support arts in Black and minority communities.

Prominent alumni voices
National Football League Coach and Pacific alumnus Pete Carroll ’73 ’78 is clear about the racial and social justice issues facing the United States.

Law school’s strong pledge
McGeorge School of Law faculty unanimously passed a resolution declaring “unequivocally” that “Black Lives Matter” and that the law school will actively work “to become and remain an antiracist institution.”

Conservatory names lead for DEI
Fei-Lin Hsiao, associate professor and program director for music therapy, was named the assistant dean for diversity, equity and inclusion for the Conservatory of Music.

Janet Rogers

Brian Miller

Gregory Boardman

Dea Berberian Spanos
Jie Du
As we consider how best to support our Native American students and community members and acknowledge the original inhabitants of this land, Native American and Indigenous Pacificans will guide this critical endeavor.
Our work is to humbly begin to understand what a model land acknowledgement entails, and build a Native American student success and cultural initiative.
This restorative work is more than a land acknowledgment alone and must be handled with care. Should you have any questions, please contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at dei@pacific.edu.