Mary J. Lomax-Ghirarduzzi
VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The impact of a great mentor

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

 

DEI Framework Pyramid; equity; pedagogy, people, programs; and funding
DEI Framework of Excellence

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.

University Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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.

students at graduation ceremony
Scholarships aid Black students

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.

Student leaders prioritize DEI

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.

ASuop President Scout Cooper-Wilson
Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta’s inspirational talk

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.

DEI programs enhanced for students

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. 

student outdoor fair
New Regents join the board
Janet Rogers

Janet Rogers

Brian Miller

Brian Miller

Gregory Boardman

Gregory Boardman

Dea Berberian-Spanos

Dea Berberian Spanos

Jie Du

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.