Congratulations to the Class of 2023! From pivoting to online learning during their first year of college to persevering through virtual internships, the Class of ’23 showed true Tiger grit throughout their time at Pacific.  

These students not only overcame unprecedented challenges, but also found countless opportunities to use their voices for advocacy, both on campus and in the community.  

“I am proud to recognize all the work we’ve done to build the Pacific legacy,” said Brooke Tran, vice president of Associated Students of the University of the Pacific, in her commencement address to her classmates. “We’ve learned to be good stewards of the community, supporting Miracle Mile and local businesses with the establishment of the Pacific Shuttle, generously donating our time via College Corps, engaging in Greek Life philanthropy, volunteering at St. Mary’s to make sandwiches, developing a proposal to advance the Stockton homeless shelter into a navigation center, pushing divestment from fossil fuels and much more impactful work.” 

The Class of ’23 had the chance to celebrate their accomplishments with their friends and family last weekend at Pacific’s university-wide commencement ceremony. You can check out our highlight video for a look back at the graduation celebrations.  

Are you celebrating your graduation this year? Share your proudest accomplishments in the comments below! 

With graduation around the corner, I decided to catch up with some of our graduating seniors, before they walk, for their advice for incoming students. Here’s what they said:

Keep an open mind

Tyler McIntosh, Bachelor of Science in engineering management – computer science concentration

“For students interested in engineering management, I would recommend keeping an open mind when picking their concentration. This mindset can be applied to all aspects of college. You get exposed to a variety of different organizations, opportunities, people and more. Try new things and even when you settle on a major, don’t think it’s the end-all be-all. Take classes in a different field to broaden your knowledge and expand your skillset.”

For more advice from Tyler, check out this article.

Make the most of your opportunities

Emily Jarrell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in sports management

“I made sure to attend every trip/opportunity presented to our sport management group. I went to Charlotte, Dallas, Arizona, Las Vegas and Stanford University for competitions and conferences this year. At the SBRnet marketing conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, my team and I presented our marketing case to the Charlotte Hornets. These networking events, the career seminar class and the sport management internship class have prepared me for post-graduation.”

Get to know your professors

Brooke Tran, Bachelor of Arts in English with minors in film studies, sociology and data science

“Pacific has great professors who want you to succeed, and I was fortunate to build great relationships with them. Our meetings outside of the classroom, whether it was getting breakfast at the DUC or coffee at Starbucks, are where we have the best conversations. I can talk about my future or bounce research ideas off them. They’re always very affirming, and our conversations give me confidence that I can make a difference in education policy.”

Learn more about Brooke’s Pacific experience.

Build a strong support system

Alfonso Villalobos III, Bachelor of Science in applied economics with minors in business administration and psychology

Congratulations, seniors, and best of luck with all future endeavors! And to all incoming Pacific students and parents, let me extend a warm welcome to the Tiger family!

About the author

Megan Nishimura

Megan Nishimura is a fourth-year marketing major from Honolulu, Hawai’i. You can find her in Burns Tower as Enrollment Marketing’s student copywriter, in the stands as an athletics event staff worker or on the court as a member of Pacific’s Division 1 volleyball team.