From major sports expansions and groundbreaking pharmaceutical research to a new partnership with the San Francisco 49ers, explore the biggest moments that defined University of the Pacific in 2025.

Pacific research team develops breakthrough single-dose solution to combat fentanyl overdoses 

Pacific researchers made a significant impact this year, developing a breakthrough drug delivery system that could dramatically improve protection against opioid overdoses. The technology, published in “Nature Communications,” steadily releases naloxone for up to a week—far longer than current treatments—offering new hope in fentanyl-related emergencies. 

‘You are our hope for the future’: National correspondent shares advice, insights with Pacific community 

In front of a crowded audience in Faye Spanos Concert Hall, Judy Woodruff, acclaimed national correspondent for PBS NewsHour, joined President Christopher Callahan in a thought-provoking discussion ranging from the state of American discourse to politics and the media. The award-winning journalist was invited by the president as part of the newly launched Presidential Speaker Series, which brings national thought leaders to campus to discuss the most critical issues facing society.

Conservatory alum takes the stage in American Idol debut 

Pacific alumnus Filopatir “Filo” Ebid ’23 earned a spot in one of the nation’s largest singing competitions, taking the stage for the 2025 season of American Idol. The Conservatory of Music graduate impressed judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie, advancing him into the competition’s next round. Pacificans cheered Ebid, hosting watch parties and posting on social media. Ebid ultimately reached the Top 12 in the competition. He has since been traveling the country performing, including a recent stop at Pacific where he put on a Christmas concert.  

Pacific designated top 'Opportunity College and University' in new Carnegie classification measuring student success

Pacific earned the highest possible recognition—“Higher Access, Higher Earnings”—in the new Student Access and Earnings Classification by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education. The classification highlights universities where student success is front and center by measuring both earnings after college and the ability to access a college education regardless of socioeconomic background. Pacific stands among only 16% of all U.S. colleges and universities with the highest designation as an “Opportunity College and University.”

McGeorge School of Law receives $5 million gift to advance Eglet Center for Advocacy & Dispute Resolution

Regent Robert T. Eglet ’88 and Tracy A. Eglet committed a generous $5 million gift to the Eglet Center for Advocacy & Dispute Resolution at the McGeorge School of Law—recognized as one of the nation's top advocacy and dispute resolution programs. The gift establishes a new endowed faculty chair focused on moot court, a competition for jury trial articles and an endowment to support jury trial speakers. The gift also provides funding for a program manager and creates an endowment to sustain the center's ongoing initiatives. 

Dugoni School to expand oral health care with new Ambulatory Surgical Center and Multidisciplinary Advanced Care Clinic

Construction has begun on a new Ambulatory Surgical Center and Multidisciplinary Advanced Care Clinic on the San Francisco Campus designed specifically to serve individuals of all ages with special needs. The center will span 13,000 square feet on the first floor of the school with four operating rooms, eight operatories and five mixed medical/dental treatment rooms. The center is slated to open in 2027 and is expected to triple patient visits in the Special Care and Hospital Dentistry programs to more than 8,000 when fully operational.

Pacific Celebrates the Class of 2025 and its strength, creativity and adaptability

Pacific conferred more than 2,100 degrees this year to graduating students representing more than 30 states and 30 countries. Alumna and Regent Consuelo María Callahan ’75, who serves as a judge for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, received an honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of her half-century of distinguished public service and mentorship during the ceremonies. She delivered powerful remarks to graduates, reminding them, “You are destined for greatness as a Pacific graduate and you are part of a legacy much bigger than you can possibly imagine today.” 

Pacific navigating unprecedented NCAA changes through growth 

At a time when many universities are cutting sports programs, Pacific pursued growth. Beginning in 2025–26, Pacific will add new Division I sports and expand others, creating more opportunities for student-athletes while strengthening enrollment, campus life and competitive success.

Since first announcing it would add or expand to the cross country, diving and track and field programs, Pacific has announced two more sports additions: men’s volleyball and STUNT, a competitive sport involving tumbling and elements of cheerleading.

Manor Hall reopens as dedicated residential space for student veterans

Pacific celebrated the opening of Manor Hall, a newly renovated residential building designed to support and house student veterans and active-duty military. Serving as both a living space and a community hub for veterans, Manor Hall accommodates up to 33 students. Pacific is one of only a few universities nationwide with a dedicated housing facility especially designed for student veterans. This development represents significant progress in the university’s ongoing commitment to foster a more inclusive environment for veteran students.

Pacific named one of America’s ‘dream schools’ 

New York Times best-selling author Jeff Selingo highlights Pacific as one of America’s new “Dream Schools” in his newly released book, “Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You.” The book identifies 75 colleges and universities that are exemplars for academic excellence, accessibility, affordability, experiential learning and exceptional student outcomes. In a communication to Pacific President Christopher Callahan, the author said, “Pacific represents what so many families told me they want in a college today: a clearer pathway to a career."

Pacific achieves highest national ranking in history

Pacific reached a historic milestone this year, earning its highest-ever ranking from The Wall Street Journal at No. 85 among U.S. colleges and universities. Big gains in student experience, record enrollment and new programs in fast-growing fields highlight a campus on the rise. 

Renewable energy now provides 100% of Pacific’s electricity on all three campuses

Renewable energy sources now provide 100% of the electricity needs at Pacific across all three campuses—one of just 16 American colleges to achieve that sustainability milestone. Sustainability is a central priority for Pacific since Christopher Callahan became president in 2020. The milestone positions the university as a national leader, one of only 16 universities nationwide powered entirely by renewable electricity, according to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. 

Pacific breaks ground on student-athlete and sports medicine center

Pacific took major steps forward in supporting the health, wellness and success of its nearly 400 Division I student-athletes by breaking ground on the Student-Athlete and Sports Medicine Center on the Stockton Campus. The 15,682-square-foot facility will include locker rooms, team lounges, multipurpose study and social space, treatment room, advanced rehabilitation areas, therapy pool, hot and cold tubs, a sports therapist’s office focused on physical and mental health and a dedicated functional training area. 

Pacific and 49ers announce major education partnership

A defining moment of the year came in November when Pacific announced it has teamed up with the San Francisco 49ers in a multi-year partnership designed to open doors to higher education and real-world career opportunities for students. As the 49ers’ Official Higher Education Partner, Pacific will help lead the team’s internship program and connect students directly to hands-on learning inside one of the NFL’s most iconic organizations. 

Read more of the research breakthroughs, major milestones and standout stories in the Pacific Newsroom.