The Intergenerational Bridges program in the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy has been named a Program of Distinction by Generations United, a national organization that promotes collaboration across generations.

The designation recognizes innovative programs that foster meaningful connections between younger and older generations. Pacific’s program is one of 86 nationwide to hold the distinction.

The Intergenerational Bridges program connects student pharmacists with older adults through community-based events designed to reduce isolation and foster meaningful engagement. Professor Rajul Arvind Patel ’01, ’06 leads the program in collaboration with professors Ed Rogan, Nareeta Sharma ’18, ’21, Yvonne Mai ’13, ’15, Neel Prasad ’96 and Andrew Haydon ’12.

The program emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when faculty observed increased social isolation among student pharmacists and older adults participating in the school’s Medicare Part D Outreach clinics. Patel and colleagues responded by launching Intergenerational Bridges to strengthen learning, empathy and community connection between the two groups.

Over the last four years, the program has received grants from the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency-Aging & Community Services Department, including an $85,000 award to continue funding through June 2026. The funding has supported a variety of intergenerational events this year, with additional programs planned for later this semester.

Multicultural Night at Pacific

In January, nearly 200 community members and students gathered at the DeRosa University Center for Multicultural Night, an evening designed to spark connection across generations through food, performances and shared stories. Attendees included older adults from the local community alongside international, undergraduate, graduate and Doctor of Pharmacy students, including members of the professional pharmacy fraternity Phi Delta Chi.

Students took active roles throughout the evening, performing in cultural presentations, serving food and hosting conversations at each table to encourage meaningful dialogue.

“Being in the field of pharmacy gives me the privilege to meet people from diverse backgrounds and cultures every day,” said Shanna Nguyen ’28, a first-year pharmacy student. “This event helped me deepen my understanding of different cultural experiences, which will benefit me both as a student and as a future pharmacist. It strengthened my ability to approach others with empathy, open-mindedness and cultural awareness, qualities that are essential in providing patient-centered care.”

Interactive elements encouraged engagement, including a world map where guests marked their countries of origin, table conversation prompts and a community fashion showcase featuring traditional attire.

“Events like this create powerful opportunities to learn from one another and deepen our understanding of what it means to age. When we bring together students, faculty and community members across cultures and generations, we not only celebrate diversity but also strengthen the compassion and awareness that define our health professions,” said Berit Gundersen ’84, dean of the pharmacy school.

Game Day at Bethany Home

In February, students partnered with Bethany Home, a senior living facility in Ripon, for a game day that brought together residents and students and teachers from Ripon Christian High School for classic board games and trivia spanning the 1950s through the 2010s. Designed to spark shared memories and teamwork, the event provided meaningful interaction for residents, many of whom face reduced social interaction after transitioning to assisted living.

“When you move to assisted living, you lose your connection with your church and your community,” said Merna Lattimer, a resident of Bethany Home. “And that gets compounded when you’re not able to drive. All of that leads to isolation.”

Future Intergenerational Bridges Events

Additional events this spring include a succulent planting activity and a Spring Gala in partnership with Tracy Golden Agers.