Pacific honors alumni who lead with purpose

Feb 06, 2026

(L-R) President Christopher Callahan, Pamela Gibbs, Robert Eglet, Lt. Gen. Caroline Miller, Rino Berbano, Marilyn (Berbano) Nilsen, Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt, John Chase and Fabian Morales Medina.

Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt ’76, chair of the Board of Regents, was honored with a Medallion of Excellence.

Regent Robert Eglet '88 accepts the Distinguished Professional Service Award.

Lt. Gen. Caroline Miller ’90 accepts the Distinguished Public Service Award.

John Chase accepts the Honorary Alumni Award.

The Berbano Family representatives, Rino Berbano '57 and Marilyn (Berbano) Nilsen '85, were honored with the Outstanding Family Award.

Pacific President Christopher Callahan shares a moment with alumnus Rino Berbano ’57.

The Pacific Alumni Association honored Pacificans for their outstanding achievements at the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president of development and alumni relations, takes a photo with Robert Eglet.

Attendees gather at the Pacific Alumni House during the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Attendees gather for a group photo during the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Pacific Alumni Association President Pamela Gibbs ’92 emcees the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Regent Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt '76 at the "Pacifican Who Changed My Life" event.

(L-R) Pamela Gibbs '92, Regent Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt '76, business major Shawn Quillin ’26 and Fabian Morales Medina ’04, president-elect of the Pacific Alumni Association.

Regent Consuelo María Callahan ’75 speaks to attendees.

The Berbano family poses for a group photo at the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

A regent carrying on a family legacy of service, a nationally renowned trial lawyer and a senior Air Force leader are among the Pacificans honored this year for their lasting impact on University of the Pacific and exceptional professional achievements.

The Pacific Alumni Association recognized them at the 66th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony Jan. 31. This year’s honorees include:

Board of Regents Chair Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt '76, Medallion of Excellence
Regent Robert Eglet '88, Distinguished Professional Service Award
Gen. Caroline Miller '90, Distinguished Professional Service Award
John Chase, Honorary Alumni Award
The Berbano Family, Outstanding Family Award, accepted by Rino Berbano '57 and Marilyn (Berbano) Nilsen '85

Watch video tributes of the honorees.

Each awardee also selected “the Pacifican Who Changed My Life”—a professor, advisor, coach or friend who had a significant impact on them.

Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt honored Professor Emeritus Glen Albaugh (1931-2023), accepted by Cindy (Bava) Spiro '76
Robert Eglet honored Michael Hunter Schwartz, professor and former dean of the McGeorge School of Law
Gen. Caroline Miller '90 honored Professor Emeritus Douglas Matheson (1939-2013), accepted by Matheson's son, Rich Matheson '99
John Chase honored Allison Dumas '95, associate vice president of community engagement and strategic enrollment
The Berbano family honored President Emeritus Robert E. Burns '31 (1909-71), accepted by President Christopher Callahan

Nominations for the 2027 Distinguished Alumni Awards are now open.