Pacific Index

Pacific’s State of the University celebration acknowledges challenges ahead

   Once a ramshackle colonial school for orphans from the Oregon Trail, Pacific University has evolved immensely over the 175 years since it was founded—and where the university stands now was on full display when President Jenny Coyle commemorated the 175^th anniversary at her February 6 State of the University speech.

   “As we celebrate this milestone anniversary,” she shared in her opening speech, “we are celebrating so much more than the passage of time.” The auditorium before her was stock full of well-dressed students, alumni, trustees, and supporters. Thick red and black Boxer scarfs adorned each guest; one of the many perks of the evening. But more than anything, the highlight of the night was the many people gathered who love Pacific and all it means to be a Boxer. 

   In speeches to the audience, two current seniors touched a bit on the reasons why they love Pacific. Kristyn Barton and Tait Kuchenbord shared their personal experiences of Pacific, explaining how the university has shaped their lives. “I didn’t know what I wanted to be involved in when I started,” Barton expressed, sharing the difficulties of starting college. “But at Pacific I found so many opportunities to grow and get involved.” Now, Barton is a Sports Leader and Management major with a double minor in Sports Communications and Spanish. 

   Kuchenbord also has had a transformative experience at Pacific as the school opened up a multitude of pathways and career options for him to explore. “I’m actually a Physics major,” Kuchenbord shared, gaining a few cheers from the crowd. He’s currently working on decarbonization plans and energy plans at Pacific that have helped him explore his field. “I think that’s one of the things that’s so special about Pacific: I’m not just preparing for my career. I’m already doing work that can help make a difference right here in our community.” 

   When President Coyle took the lectern again, she underscored these lessons. “I can’t tell you how proud I am to see every day the impact that Pacific University has on so many people,” she said with a look around the room. Just like Barton and Kuchenbord, the room was filled with people who’ve felt a major positive impact in their lives thanks to Pacific. 

  But the evening wasn’t all blissful reminiscing. “We are facing an uphill battle,” President Coyle stressed, explaining how long-term trends of lower birthrates are affecting Pacific’s enrollment. “We’ll see a 15 percent drop in the number of 18-year-olds in our country in the next four years,” she explained. “And more concerning, fewer of those young people who do graduate from high school are choosing to attend college.” Last year, college enrollment dropped five percent throughout American colleges and universities.

   President Coyle used a portion of the evening to speak out about the shift in public opinion regarding higher education. As of last year, nearly 30 percent of Americans said that seeking a higher education isn’t worth it, with 47 percent saying it is worth it, but only if you don’t have to take out loans. While a smaller group, 22 percent of the population, is all-in to fully support higher education. 

   To President Coyle, this shift in opinion is a major concern. “There is an alarming public narrative that says education doesn’t matter,” she said regretfully. “We know this isn’t true.” 

   Pushing back at this narrative, President Coyle used the evening as an opportunity to draw attention to this issue and call out for help. Her main concern was the barriers holding people back from obtaining a higher education; namely, steep cost of higher education being the biggest barrier. “We need philanthropic support for scholarships to help students make ends meet and we need policies that make higher education as a whole more sustainable for students across our country.” 

   “Finally, we have to continue innovating the college experience and education to meet the demands of the changing word,” President Coyle voiced as the evening came to a close. “We will carry forward Pacific’s legacy into the next 175 years.”