Pacific University

Step into the vibrant legacy of Pacific University, a distinguished private institution nestled in Forest Grove, Oregon, whose roots trace back to a compassionate school and orphanage founded in 1847. Officially chartered in 1849 as Tualatin Academy and established as Pacific University in 1854, this institution has long stood as a beacon of learning in the Pacific Northwest. Today, with a student body of 3,479 and an endowment of $0.1 billion, Pacific offers a comprehensive university experience shaped by a commitment to community and intellectual growth, all under the inspiring leadership of President Jenny Coyle, an alumna herself.

The university's journey began with pioneering visionaries like Tabitha Moffatt Brown and Harvey L. Clark, evolving from a local academy to a robust university. Its history is marked by significant milestones, including welcoming its first Japanese international students in 1872, long before such initiatives were common. Campus architecture, from the historic Old College Hall to the resilient Marsh Hall and the stately Carnegie Hall, tells stories of enduring education and community resilience, even through events like the 1975 Marsh Hall fire and its subsequent restoration.

What truly sets Pacific apart is its captivating and deeply symbolic mascot: Boxer, a bronze Qilin statue with a rich history. Embodying wisdom, prosperity, and cultural diversity, Boxer has been a beloved figure since 1896, inspiring spirited traditions and representing the university's inclusive spirit. After a 55-year disappearance, the original Boxer statue triumphantly returned in 2024, rekindling a cherished part of student life. Pacific University isn't just a place of learning; it's a community that honors its past while actively shaping its future, continually innovating and now exploring new horizons through a potential merger with Willamette University, ensuring its legacy of engagement and discovery continues to thrive.