Hallick writes to students, shares pieces of advice, encouragement

First, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to all of our new students.  Pacific University will be your home away from home for the next few years.  At Pacific, you will hear a lot about the “close, nurturing relationships” that we offer students. It is more than talk.

Pacific is not a place where you can disappear into the shadows or remain anonymous in a large lecture hall. This is a place where professors will call you by name, where you will come to know almost all of your fellow students, and where you can truly be a part of a community.

Your academic endeavors are important, and I urge you to take full advantage of the array of opportunities you will have to pursue them.  It is our hope that you will simultaneously take a deep dive into areas where you discover that you have special interests while truly spreading your wings to explore others that you may not have previously considered.

But at Pacific, most students find that they learn almost as much (and some would claim more) from student life and its numerous opportunities for friendship, community engagement and leadership than they do in their formal studies.  You can explore a new feat on an outdoor adventure with the Outback, play varsity and intramural sports, perform on-stage with the Lunch Box Theatre, join a music ensemble, get involved with the Greek community or another service club, learn to hula for Lu‘au and so, so much more.  And if you have a unique passion, you can even create your own clubs or projects.

Take the most of this incredibly privileged time in your life to get involved, to meet a variety of people from vastly different background, and to try something new.

Finally, please remember that there are many layers of support here to give you a boost when you need it or catch you if you slip.  The best advice I can give you is to ask anyone for help, advice and just general moral support whenever you feel the slightest need.  Don’t worry about where you are supposed to turn – just ask anyone and we will point you in the right direction.  We care about you.

Welcome to Pacific University and to the 23,000-plus students and alumni worldwide who proudly call themselves members of the Boxer Community.

Lesley M. Hallick

President