Of the nine schools and colleges at University of the Pacific, the School of Health Sciences (SHS) is the only one that offers programs across the Sacramento, Stockton, San Francisco, and online campuses. Despite the geographical separation, SHS provides an annual opportunity for all programs to come together to build community. 

SHS Day is a cherished tradition featuring awards and team-building activities that foster camaraderie between students, faculty, and staff from the ten SHS departments. This year, over 500 participants stepped away from their classrooms, labs, and offices to bring their school spirit to the Sacramento Zoo. 

“The zoo was reminiscent of childhood field trips and a heartwarming way to bring everyone together as one community,” says Audiology student Elsa Long. Long and the rest of the Audiology Department boarded an early bus in downtown San Francisco and traveled together to the Sacramento Zoo for a fun-filled day of activities. “Coming together for a day of exploration with all of the SHS programs reminded me of how strong our community is.” 

As an Athletic Training student located on the Stockton Campus, Jordan Torres appreciated taking a break from clinicals and coursework for the opportunity to connect with her peers, especially during the team-building scavenger hunt activity. Working in groups, participants used a series of clues to hunt down specific animals across the zoo. To complete the challenge, each team snapped a group photo together near the animal's habitat. 

“It was a good reminder that teamwork and communication between different healthcare professions is important, especially for providing the best possible patient care,” says Torres. 

Long and Torres were both presented with the Dean’s Resilience Scholarship at the awards ceremony. Every academic year, this scholarship is awarded to one student from each of the nine in-person programs who have overcome significant personal or financial challenges on their path to higher education. Many of the recipients come from diverse communities and bring with them a profound commitment to serving others as future healthcare leaders. 

“Receiving this award means a lot to me because it recognizes the hard work and sacrifices I have made to get to where I am today,” Torres reflects. 

“I think it is important to recognize that, for anyone facing hardships during their educational journey, you are your own best supporter,” says Long. “Overcoming those hardships is possible, and doing so only strengthens you as you continue to pursue your dreams!” 

To mark the occasion, attendees contributed to a collective SHS Day art piece. All attendees were invited to sign a paper leaf attached to a painted oak tree, symbolizing the importance of each member in the SHS community and their contribution to making the school what it is today.

“To me, the leaves represented the diversity of students across different programs,” said Social Work student Killian Bridges. “While we are unique in our own ways, we are all rooted together at the School of Health Sciences.” 

By creating a dedicated day to come together across disciplines and campuses, it reminds students that they belong to a larger healthcare ecosystem. SHS Day represents the power of coming together beyond the three campuses, reinforcing the development and strength of the people and culture that SHS has nurtured. 

Explore the fun moments of connection at this year’s SHS Day on our Flickr page here.