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Students, families experience exhilarating introduction to campus
Students are welcomed to campus at the New Student Convocation.
University of the Pacific gave students a roaring welcome to the Stockton Campus with programming and social activities to help new and continuing students and families explore the campus and connect with each other before the Aug. 29 first day of classes.
“I am thrilled to have our students back,” said Maria Blandizzi, vice president for Student Life. “They bring our campus to life and we wanted to match that energy with events that will get them excited for the new semester along with resources to help them be successful.”
Normally focused on new students, this year’s event fully included continuing students and families who attended a variety of workshops and break-out sessions that included everything from what to expect in the first year to research opportunities, career development and meeting the deans and faculty.
“The vibe and the energy are amazing,” said fourth-year student Ozi Okonkwo ’23. “All the events are bigger and better this year.”
Students dance at one of the many events held during Pacific Welcome.
The experience was intentionally designed to immerse students into an environment of discovering Pacific’s academic, social, cultural and athletics offerings to help pique their interest in trying new courses, programs and activities.
“It was great to see so many students throughout campus from early in the morning to the evening excited to be with new friends and discovering all the different areas of our beautiful Stockton Campus and our city,” said Marge Grey, associate vice president for Strategic Communications. “The spirit and the excitement throughout the week were palpable in ways I haven’t seen before.”
After two full days of move-in with students finding their way to new spaces, the week kicked off with welcome and orientation events designed around specific student groups to help build community. New students attended Convocation in historic Faye Spanos Concert Hall, the traditional ceremonial event that marks the start to their academic career.
“For all of you, there will be pivotal moments—those ‘aha’ moments when you realize that you do know what to do and that you can do it, even when the going gets tough,” Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Maria Pallavicini told students. “There will also be those moments when you need help and realize you can find tremendous support in your Pacific community.”
There are nearly 1,100 first year and transfer students this year.
Students walk through the traditional confetti parade after convocation.
Following convocation, students were greeted by the Pep Band and faculty, staff and alumni who showered them with confetti during the traditional Tiger Roar parade to Knoles Lawn, where they enjoyed a campus-wide luncheon with faculty and staff.
Throughout the week, students could be found everywhere: meeting with their advisors, rock climbing at Baun Fitness Center, attending morning meditation or meeting President Christopher Callahan and First Lady Jean Callahan at a reception in their home.
A student sings karaoke at one of the Pacific Friday booths.
“I have loved every single thing,” said first-year student Driscida Rosas. “One of the best parts has been meeting new people.”
The Pacific Friday Tiger Fair held on the DeRosa University Center walkway gave students a chance to explore campus resources and learn about the university’s many clubs and organizations. Almost every organization and department representing Pacific was in attendance.
The packed house found students singing and dancing to their favorite songs at a karaoke booth, playing games for prizes, and picking up lots of giveaways. One of the highlights was the unveiling of the newly designed Pacific food truck with samples of some of the new fare getting high marks from students and staff.
Students packed onto the DeRosa University Center lawn for a concert featuring rapper and singer Cordae.
The main events wrapped up with the annual block party and concert hosted by ASuop, the governing student body.
Popular rapper and singer Cordae performed for thousands of students on the DeRosa University Center lawn in what one attendee described as “an electric night of fun and letting loose.”
View the photo gallery below to see more highlights from the week.
