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About Pacific University

Pacific University stands as a dynamic institution where education is more than textbooks — it is a journey of purpose, transformation, and community impact. Founded in 1849 from humble beginnings as a school for orphans of the Oregon Trail, it has evolved into a private, nonprofit university deeply rooted in liberal arts, health professions, and professional education. Pacific University+2Pacific University+2

Roots & Mission

The origin story of Pacific is both humbling and inspiring: in the late 1840s, Tabitha Moffatt Brown and Harvey Clark initiated a shelter and school to care for displaced orphans in Forest Grove, Oregon. Pacific University+2Pacific University+2 By 1849, the institution was chartered as Tualatin Academy and Pacific University, with its first college classes offered in the 1850s. Wikipedia+2Pacific University+2 Over decades, the academy component dissolved as the institution focused fully on higher education. Pacific University+1

Today, the university’s mission is clear: to inspire students to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. Pacific University+1 Pacific fosters a diverse and sustainable community dedicated to discovery, teaching, scholarship, and applied practice. Pacific University+2Pacific University+2

Academic Excellence & Programs

At its core, Pacific offers a robust spectrum of offerings: more than 60 undergraduate majors and minors, paired with approximately 30 graduate, professional, and doctoral degrees. Pacific University+2Pacific University+2 Students engage in curricula rich with experiential learning — global travel courses, internships, clinical placements, research projects, and community practice are woven into the fabric of learning. Pacific University+3Pacific University+3Pacific University+3

The university supports pre-mapped pathways, early admission to graduate programs, and a guarantee system designed to help students graduate on-time. Pacific University Pacific is also recognized as a top private research university in the Pacific Northwest, where faculty and students drive research and inquiry. Pacific University+2Pacific University+2

Campuses & Community

Pacific’s primary campus lies in Forest Grove, Oregon, nestled within a grove of towering oaks and blending historic brick architecture with modern facilities. Pacific University+2Pacific University+2 The campus offers residence halls, performance and arts centers, a gallery, laboratories, and integrated health and professional learning sites. Pacific University+3Pacific University+3Pacific University+3

Beyond the main campus, Pacific extends its reach via online and low-residence programs, along with health clinics and partnerships across the greater Portland region. Pacific University+2Pacific University+2

Student Life & Values

Pacific students don’t just learn — they live purpose. The culture emphasizes community, civic engagement, social justice, and care for others. Pacific University+2Pacific University+2 Institutions like the Center for Gender Equity, and initiatives to elevate marginalized voices, reflect how deeply the university embeds equity into campus life. Pacific University+1

Additionally, Pacific was named the only Voter Friendly Campus in Oregon (2023–24), signaling its commitment to civic participation and student voice. Pacific University

Reputation & Strengths

Despite its modest size, Pacific punches above its weight. Its faculty are praised for being approachable, supportive, and student-centered. The Princeton Review+1 Students frequently highlight the strength of science, optometry, and health professions programs. The Princeton Review+2fgcchamber.org+2

Pacific’s acceptance rate is notably generous (≈ 90%), and its undergraduate programs emphasize small class sizes, close mentorship, and a strong sense of belonging. waf.collegedata.com+2BigFuture+2

Historical & Cultural Highlights

A compelling part of Pacific’s identity is its mascot, Boxer. The name originates from a bronze statue, the qilin, a mythical Chinese creature donated by alumni in the late 19th century. Over time, “Boxer” became the nickname. Wikipedia The original statue was lost for decades, but recent efforts have brought much of it back to campus, further strengthening tradition and memory. Wikipedia

Old College Hall, the Carnegie Library (now Carnegie Hall), and Marsh Hall are architectural anchors of the campus, connecting present-day learners with Pacific’s storied past. Wikipedia+2Pacific University+2

Purpose & Impact

Pacific graduates often go on to serve in education, healthcare, social services, innovation, and public service roles — professions that reflect the university’s ethos. Pacific University+2Pacific University+2 Through university-operated clinics (optometry, audiology, psychology, dental hygiene) and community outreach, students engage the public while learning. Pacific University+1

Looking ahead, Pacific’s strategic vision continues to shape a future where students not only gain credentials but also deepen purpose, care for communities, create with integrity, and foster justice in a changing world. Pacific University+1

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