Honoring our Pacificans
University of the Pacific honors the memory of faculty, staff, regents and administrators who have served the university with distinction.
President
Donald V. DeRosa
1941–2026
As the 23rd president of California’s first and oldest university, Donald V. DeRosa, the baseball-playing son of New York Italian immigrants and first-generation college graduate, helped revive and grow a struggling institution into a nationally ranked university, dramatically improving academic rankings, financial stability, fundraising, student success, climate and culture.
Vice President for Student Life
Judy Chambers
1936–2023
Former Vice President for Student Life Judy Chambers ’58, ’60 was a Pacific icon, beloved mentor and a trailblazer in the field of student life. Well-known throughout the Pacific community as an advocate who cared deeply for her students, she was the first woman at Pacific to lead the Division for Student Life, the first of many pioneering roles she held throughout her career.
Dental School Dean
Arthur A. Dugoni
1925–2020
Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni transformed University of the Pacific’s school of dentistry into one of the nation’s best during his 28 years as dean. The charismatic and energetic educator championed a student-centered caring, “humanistic” approach to dentistry that became a national model in dental education.
2025 - present
Dianne Philibosian
(1946-2026)
Dianne Philibosian ’68, a trailblazing educator, former chair of the University of the Pacific Board of Regents and lifelong advocate for children and community well-being, died Oct. 13 in her Pasadena home. She was 79.
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Don Smith
(1930-2025)
Don Smith ’52, a legendary figure in the Central Valley farming community, a long-serving University of the Pacific regent and a devoted supporter of his alma mater, died July 3. He was 95.
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Larry Meredith
(1928-2025)
Professor Emeritus Larry Meredith, one of University of the Pacific’s most beloved professors whose captivating lectures, signature humor and unwavering mentorship had a life-changing impact on thousands of students, died May 29 in Stockton. He was 96.
View memorialThe Pacific Newsroom contains obituaries published from 2019 to the present. The Pacific Emeriti Society Memorial List includes distinguished faculty and administrators who have died since 2009. Submit information about departed Pacificans by emailing emeritisociety@pacific.edu
