When Emma Garber ’25 first fell in love with University of the Pacific, she initially thought the cost was out of her reach. Four years later, she has graduated with a degree in psychology, a minor in history and presented her own research as a Powell Scholar.

Funded by a gift from the late Bob and Jeannette Powell, former regents at Pacific, the Powell Scholars Program provides select high-achieving students with scholarships, study abroad opportunities, funding for research and creative projects, and dedicated faculty and cohort advising.

"The scholarship opened up a gateway to connect with other intellectually involved people who are excited to learn things,” Garber said. “Powell also opens the opportunity to be really involved in campus. It is nice people recognize the title, but it's the skills that you get from being a part of the program that let you live up to that reputation.”

This fall, 14 students will join the Powell Scholars program and continue to carry on the legacy.

The students were selected in March after participating in on-campus interviews with the Powell Scholars selection committee.  The selection process includes a personal interview that evaluates candidates on their potential for academic and leadership growth, interest in international experiences, research and creative projects, and their capacity to positively impact the world.

Callison Hall functions as the central hub for the Powell Scholars' academic, creative and leadership pursuits. Students take part in field trips to premier arts events and invite distinguished speakers, artists, scholars and entrepreneurs to the university. The building also offers a dedicated space for studying, seminars, and collaborative thinking—providing a space for teamwork and project development.

Beyond the physical space, the program also fosters strong faculty-student connections and a supportive academic community.

“There’s always someone to have your back,” said Powell Scholar Devin Thompson ’25, who graduated with a degree in psychology in spring. “There are so many supportive advisors and directors of the Powell Scholars Program. Dr. Courtney Lehman, Dr. Jeffrey Hole and Dr. Mahala, they've all been wonderful and create such a strong support system. I always know I have people I can rely on, whether in my personal life or academic life. It’s been a strong support system, and I don't know where I'd be without Powell.”

As part of the program, students must present, publish, or perform an original scholarly or creative project, connect to local, national, and international communities through volunteerism and show leadership in an organization, research, or artistic endeavor. 

“I have been continually impressed by the talent, initiative and service of the students in this program,” said Director of the Powell Scholars Program Macelle Mahala. “Powell Scholars are driven to make an impact on the world and to make the most of their college education.

“From working on cutting edge research in the biochemistry labs, to creating impactful short films and musical compositions, to teaching the children of migrant farm workers, these students give their all to their studies, to Pacific, and to our local community.  It is a pleasure and honor to serve such an impressive and inspiring group of students.”

The first-year cohort of Powell Scholars for 2025-26 are:

Sophia Canobbio ’29, Health and Exercise Science

Macy Coad ’29, Health and Exercise Science

Isabella Ferrari ’29, International Relations

Makayla Ghoalr ’29, Political Science

Keira Harris ’29, History

Aarohi Kale ’29, Health and Exercise Science

Casey Lowenborg ’29, Civil Engineering

Eliana Makhoul ’29, Biological Sciences

Taylor Matthews ’29, Civil Engineering

Christian Nunn ’29, Health and Exercise Science

Simran Saini ’29, Data Science

Paul Schacht ’29, Mechanical Engineering

Sara Wolfe ’29, Music Performance

Brinda Venkat ’28, Bioengineering

Learn how to prepare for the Powell Scholars application. 

The Powell Scholars 25th reunion will be taking place at Homecoming 2025. 

To learn more about supporting Pacific students through scholarships, contact Scott Biedermann at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.