When Regent Tony Chan ’77, PharmD, and former Regent Virginia Chan ’77, PharmD, arrived at University of the Pacific in 1974 as pharmacy students, neither could have imagined how profoundly the university would shape their lives.

What began as an educational opportunity would become a lifelong partnership, a successful career in pharmacy, a multi-generational family connection to Pacific and a commitment to helping future students achieve their own dreams.

Named this year’s Pacific Pharmacy Alumni Association Alumni of the Year, the Chans exemplify the power of education to transform lives and the dedication to create those same opportunities for others.

Their journeys began worlds apart. Tony was born in Myanmar, the only son in a family of seven, and grew up during a challenging time that demanded resilience from an early age. Virginia was born in Mexico City and later moved with her family to Hong Kong, where her parents encouraged their children to embrace Chinese culture. It was there that she overheard a conversation about a cousin interested in pharmacy school — a moment that would shape her future.

Both found their way to Pacific’s Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, where they earned their doctor of pharmacy degrees in 1977 and began a partnership that would extend far beyond graduation. Together, they’ve built successful independent pharmacies in Southern California rooted in patient care, trustworthiness and community service. Their success opened doors not only for their family, but also for countless students who would follow them at Pacific.

Through more than 20 years of combined service on Pacific’s Board of Regents, the Chans have helped shape the university’s future, lending their leadership, experience and unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.

Their generosity has touched every corner of the university. Through scholarships, programs and initiatives spanning Pacific’s three campuses, they have helped students pursue their educational goals and prepare for meaningful careers. As chairs of the Leading with Purpose capital campaign, they’ve helped inspire philanthropic investment across the university. Most recently, their philanthropy helped advance Pacific’s planned School of Medicine, where they were among the lead donors providing early support for the university’s $150 million campaign to establish the school.

“The impact Tony and Virginia have made on our school, university and the pharmacy profession is simply immeasurable,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan. “From their life-changing philanthropy in support of Pacific to their dedicated service through more than 20 years on our Board of Regents, no two Pacific alumni have had a more transformational effect than the Chans. We are forever indebted to them.”

Their connection to Pacific remains deeply personal. Their children, Jonathan Chan ’09, PharmD, and Megan Chan ’13, PharmD, and multiple members of the Chan family have followed in their footsteps. Over time, Pacific has become more than an alma mater; it has become part of their family’s story.

“Tony and Virginia have spent their lives creating opportunities for others,” said Dean Berit Gundersen ’84, PharmD. “They have devoted their time, talents and resources to supporting students, strengthening programs and advancing the future of health care education. What makes their contributions especially meaningful is the genuine care they have for our university community and their commitment to helping others succeed. They exemplify the very best of the Pacific family, and this recognition is a fitting tribute to their lasting impact.”

The Chans say that commitment has always been rooted in gratitude for the opportunities Pacific provided their family.

“Virginia and I are truly humbled by this honor. Pacific has been part of our journey for five decades and our connection to the university has only grown stronger over time,” Dr. Tony Chan said. “We have always believed that when you are fortunate enough to benefit from education and opportunity, you have a responsibility to help others do the same. We are proud of what the university has accomplished and excited about where it is going next.”

As Alumni of the Year, the Chans are being recognized not only for their professional success, service and generosity, but also for the example they have set for others.

Their commitment to Pacific has created opportunities for students across the university and strengthened the programs that prepare future health care professionals. In doing so, they have helped countless students pursue the opportunities that first brought them to Pacific more than 50 years ago.