Dear Pacificans,

While walking across our campuses, I am always enamored by the surrounding natural beauty—the trees, open spaces and places that invite reflection and connection. That beauty is part of what makes Pacific special, and it serves as an important reminder: our relationship to the natural world is not accidental, but cultivated through care, intention and responsibility.

It is also a reminder that not all communities experience their environments in the same way. For many, environmental conditions are shaped by inequities that result in polluted air, unsafe water, and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters. Environmental issues are, at their core, justice issues. They are deeply connected to broader systems that shape access, opportunity and well-being. Too often, communities experiencing poverty, displacement and racism are disproportionately affected by environmental harm.

In this moment, I am often asked how I keep a sense of optimism in the face of ongoing challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. For me, optimism is not about ignoring these realities; it is a deliberate choice grounded in awareness, strengthened through knowledge, and carried forward through meaningful action. This is what equity-minded leadership requires: the willingness to see clearly, learn deeply, and act courageously, even when the work is complex or uncomfortable.

I see this leadership reflected across Pacific—in our classrooms, where students and faculty engage critically with environmental and justice-centered questions; in our co-curricular spaces; and through institutional efforts to strengthen sustainability across our campuses. This week, we saw that commitment in action at Pacific’s Sustainability Superstars event, where students, faculty, staff, and departments were recognized for their outstanding contributions to sustainability. These Pacificans exemplify equity-minded leadership, understanding that sustainability is not only about environmental stewardship, but also a pathway to advancing justice and collective well-being.

We are proud to celebrate their work and the impact they are making for our communities and the greater good:

• Academic: Samrat Kunwar
• Engagement & Culture: Pacific Recreation (TJ Toepfer, Amy Huang, Bella Nelson)
• Volunteer Changemaker: Cindy Reyes
• Student: Anita Li
• Rising Star: Andrew Rigdon
• Brightest Star: Thomas Campbell
• Rockstars: Emily Marino, Maddison Orquiz, Skylar Carlson

Earth Day invites each of us to reflect on how we can contribute to a more sustainable and just world. It calls us to recognize the deep connections between people and the planet, and to act in ways that ensure every community has access to the resources needed to thrive.

As Pacific continues to lead and influence, may we each embrace our role in advancing environmental justice—grounded in awareness, guided by knowledge and sustained by a commitment to action—for a more fair and sustainable future for all.

Happy Earth Day.

Mary J. Lomax-Ghirarduzzi, EdD
Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Professor of Communication