University of the Pacific has selected four distinguished individuals—each recognized for exceptional leadership, teaching and meaningful impact—to receive its highest honor, the Order of Pacific.

Established more than 70 years ago, the prestigious award celebrates faculty, staff and regents whose contributions have left a lasting mark on the university. The honorees will be recognized at the All-University Commencement May 9.

The 2026 Order of Pacific honorees are:

• Paul Dassenko, member of the Board of Regents
• Nader A. Nadershahi, former dean and professor emeritus, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
• Cindy Ostberg, professor of political science
• Craig Yarborough, director of the Dugoni School’s Center for Success

Paul Dassenko ’82, a seasoned arbitrator and mediator who also spent more than 30 years as a senior executive in financial services, has helped Pacific reach new heights as a member of the Board of Regents.

He has been a key driver behind Pacific’s strong financial footing. Since joining the board in 2017, the university’s endowment has grown by more than $300 million, thanks in large part to his leadership on the investment committee, which he chaired for two years. He also served as vice chair of the Board of Regents in 2024-25 and was on the presidential search committee in 2019.

“He has helped elevate the university’s national reputation; during his tenure Pacific achieved the highest enrollment and best national rankings in our history,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan. “With Paul on the board, we approved 30 new degree programs, opened the School of Health Sciences in Sacramento, completed numerous capital projects and successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. His contributions have been integral to the life and health of the university.” 

Dassenko, a McGeorge School of Law alumnus, is also a longtime supporter of the law school. He joined the McGeorge International Board of Advisors in 2014 and gave the law school’s commencement address in 2017. In 2018, he established the Paul Dassenko Endowed Scholarship, using the Powell Match to double its impact. The scholarship supports McGeorge students interested in international law or alternative dispute resolution.

An alumnus and professor emeritus of the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Nader A. Nadershahi ’94, ’99, ’11 led the dental school as dean for 10 years. He also served as vice provost, academic dean and executive associate dean, among other roles.

A defining moment of his career was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid widespread uncertainty, his leadership provided continuity in academic and clinical operations, safeguarding faculty and staff employment, ensuring students graduated on time and delivering thousands of vaccinations to the community.

“Nadershahi created and championed transformative curriculum reform, innovations in dental education and new models for delivery of patient care that became nationally recognized models within dental education,” said Interim Dean and Professor of Diagnostic Sciences Elisa Chávez. “His visionary leadership also enhanced accreditation processes, faculty development pathways and strategic planning across multiple domains.”

A professor of political science, Cindy Ostberg is described as a “game changer” in leadership, innovation and vision.

She helped develop the Pacific Legal Scholars Program in 2007, an honors pre-law program now called Pacific Legal Advantage, which transformed how Pacific prepares students for legal careers by offering an accelerated degree option and hands-on learning opportunities.

Known for her dedication to student success, she has been recognized with several teaching honors, including the 2012 Spanos Distinguished Teaching Award from the College of the Pacific and an award for excellence in teaching presented by Phi Beta Kappa.

“I have been especially impressed with the nature of assignments in Dr. Ostberg’s classes. She routinely incorporates writing and oral presentation assignments that require students to express thoughts articulately, critically and persuasively,” said Professor Emerita of Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences Margaret E. Ciccolella. “Dr. Ostberg’s dedication is extraordinary, and she has made an exceptional contribution for students in this critical area of learning.”

Yarborough ’77, ’80, ’99 spent 13 years in private dental practice in Lodi before returning to the Dugoni School in 1993 as a full-time faculty member and administrator. His peers say that time has been marked by ‘distinction, integrity and an unwavering commitment to Pacific’s mission.’

Yarborough played a key role in the more than $65 million “Commitment to Excellence” campaign—the largest in dental education history—securing philanthropic support that elevated the Dugoni School’s facilities, scholarships, faculty resources and national reputation.

“Throughout his career, Dr. Yarborough has served as a bridge between the university and the broader community, connecting students, alumni, donors, professional organizations and civic partners in service of shared goals,” said Eric Dumbleton, associate dean for advancement at the dental school. “His mentorship of students and young professionals has fostered a culture of leadership, generosity and professionalism that reflects the very spirit of University of the Pacific.”