Dear Cherished Alumni/ae,
Our students and alumni reflect Pacifica’s global presence and we will continue to have a lasting impact on the world. Quite a statement! As we think about Pacifica’s Mission and our hopes for the Alumni Association, we are reminded about the role each of us has in continuing this legacy by ensuring that all students enjoy the same opportunities.
Pacifica Graduate Institute “turns 40 next year” and the Alumni Association is committed to ensuring a respected and rewarding education of students for many years. In fact, the association has affirmed its commitment – having recently joining forces with current and former students to announce the Walter Odajnyk Scholarship Fund. This Scholarship was established to honor Dr. Walter V. Odajnyk, a beloved faculty member from 2002 until his death in 2013. Our association will be forever grateful to Dr. Odajnyk and the numerous others who have made Pacifica a special place.
Just as this summer marks the transition from spring, the Alumni Association of Pacifica has also undergone a transition as we welcome Charles Caldwell, MA Mythology 1998 as our second President. It has been my privileged to work with Charles (from our humble beginnings as a Steering Committee) and I am confident that he will continue PGIAA’s growth and success and will expand our opportunities for solidifying the Association. I hope each of you will join me in welcoming Charles who began his tenure in May. We also express our deepest appreciation to Tom Lyon, our outgoing President, who worked diligently on behalf of our budding Association. It was his vision and leadership that supported our non-profit application and organizational development. Tom will remain on-board as Vice President. Thank you Tom!
Many of you are also making major transitions: continuing at Pacifica for advanced degrees, sending your children to your alma mater, or perhaps making a career change or even pursuing retirement. What we each have in common is that our lives are shaped by shared experiences. Our 2015 Summer Quarterly Newsletter features alumni who are making a difference in the world!
We encourage you to join the Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association as we endeavor to blaze new trails for our Association, our alma mater and the world!
~Dianne
