DeRosa transformed Pacific into a nationally-ranked university

Donald V. DeRosa, the baseball-playing son of New York Italian immigrants and first-generation college graduate who rose to serve for 14 years as the transformational president of University of the Pacific in Northern California, died April 1 in his Greensboro, N.C., home. He was 85.

DeRosa, the 23rd president of California’s first and oldest university, helped revive and grow a struggling institution into a nationally ranked university, dramatically improving academic rankings, financial stability, fundraising, student success, climate and culture across three campuses in Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco during his tenure from 1995 to 2009.

“President DeRosa was—by far—one of the most impactful and influential leaders in the 175-year history of this extraordinary university,” said President Christopher Callahan. “Don’s success came from equal parts passion, tireless energy, remarkable intelligence and the innate ability to connect with people—all people—through his distinctive relationship-based style of leadership.”

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Reflections on a transformative president 

Don was a truly transformative figure at Pacific and a dear friend. In his collaborative fashion, he met the university's challenges, and with considerable help from his sidekick Karen, he left it a much better place than he had found it. Over the years, we spent a lot of time together, and we met and became friends of each other's friends and families. I enjoyed every minute of it, and I suspect he did too. 

—Thomas Zuckerman 

When I was involved with faculty governance in the late 90s, I had the pleasure of walking across campus with Don on several occasions. Don would stop and greet every groundskeeper by name. One day we walked into the kitchen at the Quads and Don knew the names of all the cooks and kitchen help. Don had an amazing memory for names and took an interest in all members of the Pacific community.

—Gene Pearson

Don DeRosa was the best university administrator I have ever known and certainly the best boss I have ever had. But he was never just his work: his authenticity, honesty, and his genuine caring about the campus and students were ever present. I will always be grateful for the example he set by focusing on what was best, most ethical, and most important for members of the Pacific community and especially for its students. 

—Elizabeth Griego 

President DeRosa had the temperament, skills, interests and resolve to match Pacific’s greatest needs. He professionalized the University, restored Pacific traditions and most of all placed Pacific as a reliable competitor in the West in its quality of students, faculty, staff, Board of Regents and academic programs, lifting aspirations for excellence across the board. As Regent Dianne Philibosian has stated, “he notched up everything.” 

—Phil Gilbertson  

I served with President DeRosa for twelve years which I will always regard as the most satisfying in my professional career. He was realistic, honest and courageous, and accomplished goals which some may have doubted were possible. His enthusiasm and optimism were contagious, and he was generous with praise. He was a remarkable leader. 

—Patrick D. Cavanaugh 

Before I came to Pacific, I knew Don DeRosa as a competitor. I had recruited a volleyball coach away from Pacific who felt awful about leaving. To my amazement, when DeRosa called the coach, he went out of his way to make him feel good about his contributions to Pacific and his decision. Later, he was a friend and colleague. One of our hopes in life is to make a difference; to be lifters, not leaners. By securing the Powell gift, Don lifted us all. 

—Ted Leland 

Honoring a momentous life

Share a memory

Honor Don with a gift

In lieu of flowers, Don's family requests donations to the scholarship established in his honor: 

Don and Karen DeRosa

Don and Karen DeRosa CIP Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship provides student support in the form of an endowed scholarship for students in the Community Involvement Program. The Community Involvement Program is a need-based scholarship and retention program for first-generation college students from the Stockton community who show leadership potential. It was started in 1969 by a group of Stockton students and community members who wanted to increase educational opportunities for under-represented groups in the local community. 
 

Make a memorial donation
Questions about giving in Don's honor may be directed to Scott Biedermann, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, at 209-946-2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.
Pacific President Don DeRosa attends the dedication of Callison Hall, the creative hub of the Powell Scholars, in 2012.

The Powell Fund: A transformative gift for Pacific

DeRosa played a pivotal role in securing what would become the largest gift in Pacific’s history.

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(Photo: The Record/Clifford Oto) University of the Pacific students gathered for a community discussion the afternoon of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

President DeRosa's response to September 11

After the attacks on September 11, 2001, DeRosa was checking in on students and offering support.

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Donald DeRosa interviews Walter Cronkite

President Donald V. DeRosa interviewed Walter Cronkite on Nov. 6, 2006. The conversation, which took place in Faye Spanos Concert Hall as part of the David and Lorraine Gerber Lecture Series, was the result of DeRosa's long-standing efforts to bring the world-renowned journalist to the Stockton Campus.
President Callahan interviews President DeRosa

President Christopher Callahan interviewed President Emeritus Donald V. DeRosa on Feb. 3, 2021. The conversation, which took place over Zoom as part of the Pacific Alumni Association's Leading Voices series, ended with Conservatory students offering DeRosa a stirring musical tribute in honor of his 80th birthday.

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A Valentine for Don DeRosa

In February 2025, the Pacific Stocktones recorded this video to serenade former university president Don DeRosa with Bart Howard's 1954 jazz hit "Fly Me to the Moon."

Donald V. DeRosa's presidency

1995

Donald V. DeRosa is named the 23rd president of University of the Pacific.

1996

DeRosa names Phil Gilbertson as the university's first provost.

Rigorous examination of all university programs begins.

1997

DeRosa launches the Cal Grant Match Program, which offers eligible students university scholarships matching the state award. It was the first program of its kind in California.

1998

DeRosa brings the San Francisco 49ers to Pacific's Stockton Campus for their summer training program through 2002. 

The Pacific Intercollegiate Athletics Center is built. 

1999

A golden age of Pacific athletics begins, with multiple teams in NCAA post-season competition each year until 2005.

DeRosa establishes a 250-member "National Commission on the Next Level of Excellence" to identify areas where the university could excel and what resources would be necessary to make improvements.

2000

Newsweek/Kaplan ranks Pacific in the top ten in the nation in responsiveness to student financial aid, as one of the top ten "hidden treasure" schools in the West and in the top six schools with the "best value."

DeRosa receives the Dugoni Medallion of Distinction from the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.

Construction begins on Monagan Hall, the first new residence hall built in 30 years, followed by Brookside Hall, housing over 800 students. 

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges reaffirms Pacific's accreditation for a full 10-year term. 

Pacific establishes the Jacoby Center for Public Service and Civic Leadership

2001

Pacific celebrates its sesquicentennial.

Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Derosa visits each of the residence halls to speak with students. 

The Jeannette Powell Art Center and the Geosciences Center open. 

2002

Pacific receives a gift of $13 million from the Thomas J. Long Foundation. 

The Pharmacy school is named the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. 

The Health Sciences Learning Center and Clinics is built. 

2003

$200 million comprehensive "Investing in Excellence" campaign is launched.

Baun Fitness Center, William Knox Hold Memorial Library and Wendell Phillips Center are expanded and renovated.

2004

Pacific's dental school is named the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in honor of its long serving dean

Men's basketball earns the first of three straight Big West Conference championships.

2005

The McGeorge School of Law is ranked in the top 100 law schools by U.S. News & World Report.

Men's basketball reaches the second round of the NCAA playoffs for the second year in a row. 

2006

Interviews illustrious journalist Walter Cronkite in the Faye Spanos Concert Hall as part of the David and Lorraine Gerber Lecture Series.

Work to increase Pacific's national recognition culminates in the university breaking into the top 100 in U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" rankings. 

The "Investing in Excellence" campaign exceeds its $200 million goal a year ahead of schedule.

2007

DeRosa secures a $100 million estate gift from Robert and Jeannette Powell, one of the largest gifts ever to a university at the time and still the largest in Pacific’s history. 

A Phi Beta Kappa chapter is installed at Pacific.

The “Investing in Excellence” campaign concludes, earning a total of $330 million.

 

2008

DeRosa receives Honorary Alumni Award from the Pacific Alumni Association.

Pacific opens its first green building, the Don and Karen DeRosa University Center, named in their honor by the Board of Regents. 

The Biological Sciences Center opens.

2009

DeRosa receives the national President's Award from NASPA — Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

Construction begins on the Janssen-Lagorio Multipurpose Gymnasium and the John T. Chambers Technology Center.

DeRosa retires as president of University of the Pacific after receiving the Order of the Pacific, the university's highest honor, at commencement.

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As a place of community and responsible leadership, Pacific will continue to emerge as the West’s most distinctive, student-centered national university. 

—Donald V. DeRosa