From iconic filming locations to unique art pieces, Pacific’s beautiful Northern California campus is full of selfie-worthy landmarks. Here is a checklist of destinations to visit when you arrive on campus.
Harriet M. Smith Memorial Gate
Built when the school first opened in 1851 in Santa Clara, the iconic Pacific gate was moved to its current location at the corner of Pacific Avenue and Dave Brubeck Way in 1963 to coincide with the construction of Burns Tower. The relocation project cost $30,000 (over $300,000 today) and turned the gates into the signature vista point that they are today.
Faye Spanos Concert Hall
The Conservatory of Music’s famous Faye Spanos Concert Hall is a historic location on campus. Not only is it a year-round venue for live music, but the exterior of the building has also been featured in several films including “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981).
Burns Tower
Burns Tower has dominated the Stockton skyline since 1963 when it was built and named for Robert E. Burns, widely regarded as the most transformative president in Pacific’s history. The tower has a lot of interesting history behind it, including its previous use as a radio station and even a water tower. Read more facts about Burns Tower.
Rose Garden
The beautiful rose garden in front of Burns Tower is dedicated to Marjorie Webster Williams, a beloved conservationist of the region. The garden also contains a mosaic of the seal of the university created by Elaine Brink Stanley in 1950, who made it as part of her thesis for her MA in art.
The Library Columns
The columns that you’ll find in front of the William Knox Holt Memorial Library didn’t always sit at Pacific. They were first erected in the 1890s as part of the Hazelton Free Public Library in downtown Stockton. In 1965, Stockton’s city council voted to give the columns to Pacific before that building was demolished. The columns were reassembled here at Pacific in 1967.
Morris Chapel
Morris Chapel was first envisioned by President Tully Knoles in 1937. It was eventually built in 1942 as a place of worship for students of all faiths. Today, the chapel hosts weddings, baptisms, quinceañeras and other events.
Pam Eibeck and Bill Jeffery Muir Grove
The majestic Muir Grove is located just west of the McCaffery center, across from the DeRosa University Center. It is a wonderful place for a quiet picnic. The grove also features the art sculpture “Mobius” sculpture that was created in 2002 by Marin County sculptor Dennis Patton.
Ted and Chris Robb Garden
The Ted and Chris Robb Garden has provided fresh produce throughout fall, spring and summer each year. What you might not know is that the garden was created by the former Whole Foods Market CEO and Pacific Regent Walter Robb. He named the garden after his sons who are Pacific alumni. The garden is on the south side of campus near the psychology/communication building.
Atchley Clock Tower
The Atchley clock tower stands near the Alex and Jeri Vereschagin Alumni House along the beautiful brick path that stretches across the south campus. The clock tower was built in honor of William Atchley who was president of the university from 1987-1995.
Olson Hall Sundial
Pacific has a unique sundial built onto the outer wall of Olson Hall on Mendocino Avenue. The sun casts a shadow on the middle hand that will tell you what hour of the day it is. It’s a cool spot that’s tucked away from the rest of campus and fun to discover.