Recent History
Undergraduate International Studies
Building on its rich and innovative history, University of the Pacific in the past two decades founded the School of International Studies in 1986 (one of only six undergraduate schools of its kind in the country) and the Eberhardt School of Business in 1995. The University also established a unique interdisciplinary General Education Program for all entering students, and instituted a Four Year Guarantee for undergraduates in 1992, the first of its kind in the nation.
Stability in Leadership
Pacific has enjoyed extraordinary stability in administration. Only five presidents have headed the University since locating in Stockton. Dr. Donald V. DeRosa began his service in 1995 as the fifth President since 1924 and the 23rd since 1851. Under the leadership of Dr. DeRosa, in 1997, the University became the first California institution of higher education to match California State Grants for families who meet the grant criteria.
Brubeck Institute at Pacific
In 1999, alumni Dave and Iola Brubeck announced that their papers, recordings and memorabilia, a treasure of historic American music and memorabilia, would be deposited at Pacific for study and research. In response to this gift and in honor of a legend in jazz and American music, President DeRosa announced that the university would support the study, promotion and performance of American music with the formation of The Brubeck Institute. In 2007, Clint Eastwood was named as chairman of a new honorary board formed to preserve and continue the legacy of Dave Brubeck through the work of the Brubeck Institute at the University.
Continued Improvements to Facilities
A new Art and Geosciences Center opened in the fall of 2000. During 2001, Monagan Hall, a 200 plus student apartment style residence facility, was completed. Quonset huts, a legacy of many years duration, were demolished. The university then added a science laboratory building and a $21-millon health sciences learning center and clinic.
In 2003, the University added a second new residence hall, greatly expanded the Baun Fitness Center and completed a new Humanities Center. A new addition to the library was completed during 2006-7, including remodeling several portions of the current library. In 2006, the university dedicated the new Klein Family Field baseball stadium. It also broke ground on a new University Center and in early 2007 construction will begin on a new Biological Sciences Center. Plans are also underway to build Janssen-Lagorio Gymnasium, a new multipurpose gymnasium/practice facility, and a new tennis clubhouse for the Hal Nelson Tennis Courts.
