Everything about Pacific University Homecoming Week
178 years ago, an orphanage and school for young children was started by Rev. Harvey Clark and Tabitha Brown. Built on the land of what is now known as the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, who settled within the area long before white pioneers. After that, on Sept. 26, 1849, Tualatin Academy was granted a charter by the Oregon Territorial Legislature and became the oldest chartered university in the West. Then finally, in 1854, Tualatin Academy added its first college-level class, and the name Pacific University was added. Eventually, in the early 1900’s, local public schools replaced the need for Tualatin Academy, and Pacific made the move to a school of higher education.
So although Rev. Clark and Ms. Brown remain on campus in a way, much has changed on these grounds, in Forest Grove, and across Oregon over the decades. And it’s this rich history that makes homecoming week so special every year. Generations of alumni come back home to celebrate the deep-rooted traditions of this university. On the agenda this year is a weekend of fun, new additions to Pacific, along with old traditions that never left.
To begin the weekend, Pacific’s fourth Annual Soul Food Dinner will be held Friday night. Ubuntu will be hosting this event, a dedicated volunteer group named for the South African philosophy “I am because we are,” which emphasizes our shared humanity and interconnectedness. During this event, alumni and students alike are invited to enjoy the cuisine and culture of African countries and celebrate the history of African American students at Pacific. This year, alumnus Dennis Carline ‘79 will be the keynote speaker and honorary. An Outstanding Alumni Award recipient in 2020 and an award-winning high school basketball coach for over 39 years. This event lifts up Black culture and provides a space for people to connect over shared culture and education.
Like every year, a couple of classes will return to Pacific for their Milestone Reunion Receptions. This fall, the class of 1976, 2006, 2016, and the Optometry classes of 1986 and 2006 will celebrate 10, 20, 40, and even 50 years post-graduation. The Class of 1976 will officially be inducted into the Pacific University Golden Guard and sign their names into the sidewalk outside Carnegie Hall.
Another fun event taking place is the opening of Mai Ide’s art exhibit, Boxed Woman, happening on Friday from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. This performance will feature an artist talk by Ide herself and a Japanese Tea Master. Following that, President Jenny Coyle is also hosting a breakfast forum, where she will talk about the future of Pacific. Other non-sport-related events include a tour & lunch at Carpenter Creek Farm and Winery. A Greek Mixer, Rainbow Reception, Boxer History Presentation, official class photos, and a farewell brunch to wrap everything up.
On the sports side of things, almost every fall sport will be at home all weekend! Friday evening, both women’s and men’s soccer take on Puget Sound, and volleyball plays Pacific Lutheran after coming off a big win Tuesday night. Moving on to Saturday morning, tailgating for the football game starts bright and early at 10 am, featuring all the normal football tailgate fun, with an extra dose of homecoming spirit and a private tailgate for 20th reunion alumni. After the conclusion of the homecoming football game, volleyball will return to the gym at 6 PM to play Puget Sound for the home crowd. To finish the weekend, both soccer teams will play Pacific Lutheran in afternoon matches, concluding the weekend of homecoming festivities and saying goodbye to our Pacific alumni.
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