Student creativity is woven into everyday life at University of the Pacific. Many music ensembles are open to anyone, music major or not. Pacific’s gallery and stages host student work, and cultural festivals connect campus to the wider world.
Here’s a look at how you’re immersed in arts in culture on campus. You may even find a way to show off your own work.
Campus stages and galleries
Whether you’re viewing a student exhibit at the Reynolds Gallery or watching a performance at Faye Spanos Concert Hall, Pacific has spaces where creativity thrives. All across campus, there is no shortage of ways to engage with art.
Weekly films and speakers
Film lovers have lots of choices with weekly screenings of independent, classic and international films throughout the academic year, plus special guest lectures and premiere nights for student-made work.
Student musicals
Student musicals at Pacific’s Faye Spanos Theatre bring together performers, musicians, designers and crew from across campus to create vibrant productions that showcase both talent and collaboration. Recent productions include “Brigadoon,” “Camelot” and “Into the Woods.”
Student and faculty art exhibitions
The Reynolds Gallery is more than a place to view art—it’s a space where students expand their perspectives and sharpen their visual literacy. Changing exhibitions throughout the year immerse visitors in diverse media and ideas, while selections from Pacific’s permanent collection enrich everyday campus life. Always free and open to the public, the gallery connects students to art in ways that deepen their education and sense of place in the cultural landscape.
Culture around every corner
Art lives in surprising corners of Pacific’s campus, from murals brightening walkways to impromptu performances that spark connection.
Campus murals
Student-created murals bring color and creativity to some of Pacific’s most recognizable spaces. On the Jeannette Powell Art Center, large-scale works turn blank walls into vibrant canvases that showcase the talent of Pacific artists. The DeRosa University Center, the heart of student life, also features a striking mural that welcomes visitors with bold design and student perspective. Each piece was envisioned, designed, and painted by students, making the murals not only artistic landmarks but also lasting contributions to the cultural identity of the campus.
Powell Art Collection
Robert and Jeannette Powell, Pacific’s largest donors, gifted over 20 works of art that can be found in spaces on all three of Pacific’s campuses in Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco. The collection is the centerpiece of Pacific’s permanent collection and features works from Ruth Rippon, Jasper Johns, Richard Diebenkorn, Frank Lobdel and more American artists.
Campus culture
Your turn on stage
Not a music major? No problem. Pacific offers ensembles, choirs and jam sessions that welcome students from every background, proving you can make music no matter what your major is.
Pacific Pep Band
Pacific Pep band is for anyone, even non music majors, no audition required! You can even get payed to play at campus events all year-round.
Mariachi band
Mariachi is offered as both a class and ensemble through the conservatory, open to students of any major with prior experience on violin, trumpet, guitar vihuela or guitarrón.
Originating from the western Mexican state of Jalisco in the mid-1800s, mariachi blends indigenous and European sounds and stands as a vibrant symbol of Mexican culture.
Festivals and traditions
Listen to drums shake the air at the Diwali festival, watch lanterns glow for Lunar New Year and see the campus come alive at the block party. From first gatherings to traditional festivals, these moments blend joy, culture and community.
Diwali festival
Diwali, also known as The Festival of Lights, is a very important Indian religious holiday that symbolizes the spiritual victory of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
Latinx Heritage Month
Pacific’s Latinx Heritage Month celebrates the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The festivities feature events from students, faculty, staff and alumni groups that showcase Latinx history and culture.
Black History Month
Black History Month at Pacific offers students high-profile speakers and a diverse lineup of events. Through events, performances, and conversations, students see how the creativity, leadership, and achievements of Black changemakers continue to shape our communities and the world. In 2025 the university welcomed actor, Giancarlo Esposito who spoke about embracing the various aspects of his bi-racial and acting identities and discussed how loving what you do for a living can help launch a successful career.
Lavender Graduation
Lavender Graduation is a supplemental graduation ceremony intended to recognize the accomplishments of students who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or have been involved in the LGBTQ+ community during their time at Pacific.
Live events
Spotify playlist: Artists who have performed at Pacific
Check out all the artists who’ve performed on campus.
Ready to jump in?
You don’t just see art at Pacific, you live it. Whatever you love to do or see, there’s a place for it on campus. Check out Pacific’s events calendar to see the ways you can get involved.