The Annual Pacific University Lu'au

Our 57th annual Lu'au is coming up on April 8th, and we are more excited than ever.

Each year, we put together the largest Lu'au on the mainland, and we're proud of it.

Why?

Because we believe in giving students knowledge and experiences that broaden their perspectives of the world and the people around them. Students from all over the map participate in our Lu'au, increasing the community learning experience of the event.

So, not only do you get to watch an amazing show and eat delicious food, you also are enriched with a broader understanding of our world, different cultures, and the people that make everything special.

New and diverse experiences are things we deeply value here at Pacific, and we’re excited that you do too. Come see what we’re all about: contact Admissions to learn how you can apply for free or schedule a visit.

Environmental Action Clubs

Our students care here; even in their clubs.

Our passion for environmental action and advocacy even extends beyond the classes, our Leed-certified buildings, and our passionate professors; it's in the day to day actions of our students.

It's in their conscious consumer habits.
It's in their mindful transportation choices.
It's in their encouragement of our community to "grow green" with us.

From our club for our own certified organic B-Street Farm, to our Animal Ethics club, to our campus group of Students for Environmental Activism (SEA), our students care. 

They care about taking what they learn in the classroom into the world to do good for others and for earth.

Whether these clubs are hosting advocacy events surrounding Earth Day or encouraging more sustainable, small, daily choices, our students are helping all of us to become better citizens of our planet.

Want to join in our students' efforts, both in and out of the classroom, to create a more sustainable future? We sure would love it if you did. Contact Admissions to learn how you can apply for free or schedule a visit with Pacific; a University with clubs that care.

Academic Highlight 006: Music Therapy

Academic Highlight 006

Music Therapy

Do you like music? How about helping people?
Music Therapy just might be the perfect fit for you.

Here at Pacific, we are always looking for new ways to help make the lives of others better. One way that we do that is by giving students who are passionate about both music and helping professions a way to directly blend both of their passions into one field of study. Not only that, but you will also graduate ready to become Nationally certified as a professional music therapist:

"The bachelor of music therapy degree offers musicians the opportunity to take their talents into the healing and helping professions. Provisionally accredited by the American Music Therapy Association, the music therapy program is a rigorous, five-year course of study that includes a year-long internship with a board certified professional and prepares students to sit for national certification."

You will take courses in music, psychology, physiology, healthcare ethics, and philosophy, and will even have a year-long hands-on experience built in to your education. So, if you are ready to take your passion for music into a helping profession, we are here to empower you in that process.

So, do you want to join us in using music to help others live life to the fullest? Contact Admissions to learn how you can apply for free or schedule a visit with Pacific; a University that's helping passionate Music Therapists to change the world by helping others live healthier and happier lives.

Why Pacific? ~ Nicole's Story

Name: Nicole Mari Paz J. Corpuz

Major: Biology

Year: 2018

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii 

What was your college search like?

     When I was applying for college, I wanted to go to a small university. In high school, I went on a college tour that visited schools with big campuses. Since that tour, I knew that I wanted to attend a school that had small class sizes where my professors would know my name, and I would be more than just another person taking up a seat in a lecture hall. In addition, I wanted to make sure the college I attended was a school that my family and I could afford. Also, choosing a school that had a pharmacy program was an ideal factor as well. Lastly, wanting to leave the islands and experience going to school was a huge factor for me. 

How did you hear about Pacific University?

     It was near the end of my junior year when I heard that my old high school counselor was returning to Oregon to work for Admissions at Pacific University. Then, the following year, Uncle Jeff and Uncle Gary came to school to give a presentation about the Pacific, where we were fortunate enough to Skype with my old counselor. Seeing that Pacific had an accelerated pharmacy school and gave out scholarships for your grades, I knew that Pacific University was a great option. 

What was your first Pacific visit like?

     It was the end of January when I visited Pacific during a Pacesetters day. I remember driving to Forest Grove using the back roads, and I saw how different it was from back home. My mom and I wanted to cross Pacific out of our list, but because of the academics, the people, and the campus environment, Pacific was still in the running. 

Visit Campus for a $4,000 Scholarship!

Why Pacific?

     Pacific was the only school, in my opinion, that made a personal connection with me as a senior in high school. Having that sense of belonging, I knew I was excited to go to college already. Also, in March, there was a reception that my mom and I attended. I remember at the end of the reception, my mom and I, along with so many other people went to speak with Karen, the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment. The line was so long we wondered if it was really worth it because she was so busy. I remember while waiting in line, she turned towards us and asked for us to wait because she was going to give us a chance to speak with her. This was my mom’s first experience with the application process here in the U.S., and for someone with such a high title to make time for you reaffirmed that sense of belonging. 

Are you happy with your college choice?

     I am beyond thankful for attending Pacific University for it has opened SO MANY doors for me. Every time I return home or even think about how I was in high school, I am so proud of myself of how I matured throughout the years. Each year I find myself joining more clubs, participating in more extra-curricular activities, and just putting myself in positions where I continue to grow. I am very thankful for being here and being able to experience this dream of mine.

What are you involved in at Pacific?

     I am a member of Pre-Pharmacy Club, Biology Club, Chemistry Club, STATs club, and Hawaii club. In Hawaii club, I co-chair in two committees, PAC Decorations (decorating for our annual luau) and Floral. In addition, I work in Admissions as a receptionist, I am a tour guide, and a member of our Current Student Panel. My sophomore year, I was a student ambassador that worked the few weeks before school started by helping with the freshman orientation. 

What are you planning on doing with the rest of your time at Pacific?

     With the remaining time at Pacific, I choose to involve myself in positions that help me to grow. I want to finish up taking classes required for my major, and maybe squeeze in classes to work on a Public Health minor. There are just so many resources here at Pacific to connect me with the right people and I know that Pacific continues to shape me into the well-rounded person that have become. I can't wait to see how much I've accomplished by the time I graduate!

What are your plans after Pacific?

     After Pacific, I hope to attend Pacific's School of Pharmacy, and, one day, I hope to work in California or back home in Hawaii. In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy every second and moment I make whether it be studying, with friends, or participating in school events. Well, because at Pacific, every day is a learning opportunity and another chance to better myself for the future ahead. 

Why Pacific? - Sarah's Story

Name: Sarah
Major: Sociology - Currently abroad in York, England
Year: Junior
Hometown: Camas, WA

What was your college search like?

My college search process was guided by my career goal at the end of high school. At the time, I wanted to be an Audiologist. I had taken every step that I could think of to prepare myself for that pursuit. I studied the field independently, I job shadowed an Audiologist, I interviewed four or five Audiologists, ENT's, and SLP's, I did my due-diligence at preparing for a field that I though I was passionate about. So when I looked at schools, I tried to find a university that would allow me to study Pre-Communication Sciences and Disorders, so that I could transition into graduate school seamlessly.

How did you hear about Pacific University?

I heard about Pacific through my parents. After they had returned home from a drive through wine country, my parents were convinced that Pacific was the university for me. Of course, in my angsty teenager mood I didn't believe them, but I started to like the idea of going there after visiting campus during the Concours d'Elegance. Seeing campus in the summer was a turning point that put Pacific on my radar, so when I returned to high school in the Fall, I was beyond ready to meet the Pacific representative. 

Visit Campus for a $4,000 Scholarship!

What was your first Pacific visit like?

My first time visiting Pacific was during Pacesetters. I remember driving through the Oregon countryside and how green and beautiful it was. It had just become spring so everything was green and gorgeous. The fog was just lifting as we drove around the roundabouts, and I remember myself getting butterflies when I saw the "Welcome to Forest Grove" sign. Campus seemed so big at the time, and so unfamiliar. But the buildings were beautiful and learning about all of the amenities and services that Pacific offered made me believe that I would have a worthwhile experience there. Everyone was so friendly when we got there, and I was convinced after my visit that I wanted to go to Pacific. 

Why Pacific?

A few factors made me decide to come to Pacific, the first was that it was so close to home. I love my family and I wanted to be able to visit them whenever I wanted. I also love living in the Pacific North West, so being close to Portland and a lot of different outdoor excursions made me really excited. Academically, I loved that Pacific was one of the few schools that had a CSD program, and that I could take a course to be guaranteed an interview at my graduate school of choice. Pacific also had small class sizes, which meant I wouldn't be forgotten or considered another statistic in a university classroom. Pacific was (and continues to be) there for me every step of the way My councilor supported me not only through the last leg of high school, but also through my applications for scholarships. She encouraged and supported  me and that gave me a great impression of what my life at Pacific was going to be like. There were so many opportunities that Pacific offered me, and it seemed silly to refuse those opportunities. It was also a friendly and nurturing environment that supported my discovery and exploration of the unfamiliar.  

Are you happy with your college choice?

I am happy I chose Pacific because I have had so many wonderful experiences here. Not all of them have been good, but what I love about that is that my community at Pacific encouraged me to be resilient in the face of adversity and to keep trying, no matter how tough things get. I have been able to meet my best friends, some of them from around the world. I have also been able to cultivate relationships with my professors, who are also encouraging and supportive. I have gained professional experience through my two jobs on campus, which have also given me so many amazing mentors who guide me and help me without hesitation. Through Pacific I was also able to study abroad this semester and not have that disturb my academics, and being in a different country has also made me realize how excited I am to come back to my fellow Boxers. I have had an amazing experience of exploring and meeting people from every walk of life. 

What are you involved in at Pacific?

On campus I'm involved in the Muslim Student Association, which is an inclusive club that has allowed myself and other young muslims to connect with our fellow Boxers (no matter their religion), I'm a part of French club, where we have a lot of fun watching films, making crepes, and go adventuring together. I also got to meet plenty of people from different countries through the International Program, which connected me with my friends from Japan, Germany, and Hong Kong. 

What are you planning on doing with the rest of your time at Pacific?

My goal for next semester is to bring UNICEF's Campus Initiative to Pacific, which is a grassroots campaign that encourages college students to help children around the world who are in need. 

What are your plans after Pacific?

After Pacific I plan to attend graduate school for Sociology to continue my passion for the field. During my time at Pacific I discovered an excitement for Sociology and conducting sociological research. Although this is different from my former plans, it opened new avenues for me to explore as well as new ways of thinking and looking at the world around me. Aside from this, I plan to volunteer either at home or abroad and find work in something that inspires me.

Become a Boxer Today!