The time has come,” the Walrus said, “to talk of many things: of shoes and ships - and sealing wax — ...
OF CABBAGES & KINGS
University of the Pacific Emeriti Society Newsletter Spring 2025 edited by Roseann Hannon
University Years of Service and Faculty Retirement and Recognition Reception Events
The 2025 Faculty and Staff Years of Service Celebration was held on Knoles Lawn with a buffet luncheon. Years of service recognition were given to more than 165 faculty and staff that have served the University from one to forty years. Service awards were also given to exceptional faculty and staff. The Provost and Cabinet members recognized all individuals and highlighted how important faculty and staff are in the recruitment, retention and success of our students.
The Faculty Retirement and Recognition Reception was held in the University Center Ballroom following the Years of Service luncheon. Dessert and beverages were served as the Provost recognized retirees, as well as faculty awardees. Allen Wong was our Emeriti Society representative and gave a warm welcome from the Emeriti Society to all individuals. Deans introduced 11 retirees celebrating their achievements: Rae Gamboni Charos, School of Health Sciences; John Sprankling, McGeorge School of Law; Jeff Crawford, Conservatory of Music; Tamer Alpagot, Bill Lundergan, Patrick Roetzer from the Dugoni School of Dentistry; and Mouchumi Bhattacharyya, Brett DeBoer, Brian Klunk, Camille Norton, and from the College. It was an uplifting and inspiring event with the retirees regaling their experiences.
The reception closed with a special tribute to Joan Lin-Cereghino who is returning to teaching in the Collage as professor of biological sciences after seven years serving as Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. Provost Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert thanked Joan heartily for her service as Vice Provost. Joan received hearty applause and a standing remarks were both amusing and inspriring. [Simalee Smith-Stubblefield and Roseann
Below are brief excerpts and summaries of candidates' qualifications from their nomination letters.
Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Tamer Alpagot Twenty-nine years of service to Pacific. Dr. Alpagot joined the Dugoni School in 1996 as a full-time Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontics. He earned promotion to Associate Professor with tenure in 2000 and was subsequently promoted to Professor in 2008. During his time at Pacific, Dr. Alpagot taught in both didactic and clinical settings. As described by his colleague, Professor Bill Lundergan, Tamer has “an impressive knowledge base in the specialty area of periodontology and has brought a unique expertise to the department in the area of risk factors and markers for periodontal disease, especially in immunocompromised patients with HIV.” Since 2019 Dr. Alpagot has served as the Dugoni School’s Director of Translational Research. Experiments from NIHfunded projects have resulted in many publications. For his work, Professor Alpagot was honored with Pacific’s Eberhardt Teacher-Scholar award in 2002. Additionally, Tamer has served the greater university community as a member of the Institutional Review Board, the Faculty Grievance Committee, and the University Promotions and Tenure Committee. As stated by his Dean, Nader Nadershahi, “Dr. Tamer Alpagot has made contributions to our learning community as an educator, scholar, and servant-leader, bringing recognition to the Dugoni School and the University.
Mouchumi
Welcome New Emeriti
Bill Lundergan Thirty-eight years of service to Pacific. A faculty member with an active faculty dental practice at the Dugoni School since 1983, Dr. Lundergan has served as the Chair of the Department of Periodontics since 1997 and the Wilbur Hughes Endowed Chair in Periodontics since 2020. For his commitment to the profession’s highest standards, Bill has been recognized with the following:
• Pierre Fauchard Academy Northern California Excellence in Dental Education Citation (2015)
• American Academy of Periodontology, Educator Award for outstanding teaching and mentoring (2014)
• Northern California Section of the American College of Dentists, Distinguished Faculty Member Award (2012)
• University of the Pacific Distinguished Faculty Award (2002) Dr. Lundergan has authored over 50 publications, participated in 18 externally funded projects and delivered over 170 invited presentations. Additionally, Bill has served on many impactful school, university and professional committees most notably the Dental Faculty Appointment, Promotion and Tenure Committee, Academic Council and the American Dental Education Association. Dr. Lundergan is an exceptional teacher, scholar, and servant leader at the Dugoni School.
David Ojcius 10 years of service to Pacific. Dr. Ojcius joined the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry as a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences in 2015 and has served with distinction throughout his tenure. In addition to his extensive teaching and research accomplishments, Dr. Ojcius has served as the Assistant Dean for Research at the Dugoni School, where he fostered a vibrant research environment, and as the Assistant Provost for Research and Scholarship for the University of the Pacific. David has made significant scholarly contributions, as evidenced by his extensive record of publications in high-impact journals and his role as a principal investigator on numerous research projects. His research has advanced our understanding of host-pathogen interactions, inflammation, and cellular biology. Dr. Ojcius has an h-index (Scopus) of 74 and is ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide based on the number of citations. However, he considers his most significant accomplishment at Pacific to be his contributions to advancing the scholarship of junior faculty, particularly in the Department of Biomedical Sciences
Patrick Roetzer 16 years of service to Pacific. Dr. Roetzer has served the Dugoni School as a faculty member since 2009 and was promoted to Associate Clinical Professor in 2019 Dr. Roetzer has taught predoctoral students and Endodontic Program residents in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. In 2022, he transitioned to teaching in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residents at the school’s Union City Dental Care Clinic. He has been recognized by students for his teaching with the Lucien Szymd Memorial Award for Excellence in Clinical Instruction and Commitment to Student Education (2015). Chair of Diagnostic Sciences, Paul Subar, writes this about Dr. Roetzer, “Beyond his teaching and research endeavors, Dr. Roetzer has been granted patents on six innovative devices and/or systems. In this area, he has brought the latest information on dental technology to our school and has freely shared this information on the clinic floor, in seminars, and in ongoing lectures to our residents and students who have greatly benefitted from his knowledge and skills.”
Steve Sadowsky 15 years of service to Pacific. Dr. Sadowsky joined the Dugoni School in 2010 as a faculty member in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry. He earned promotion to full professor with tenure in 2016. In addition to teaching in both didactic and clinic settings, Dr. Sadowsky’s scholarship includes 5 book chapter contributions, 3 patents, and 273 invited presentations. He has served extensively in professional organizations in leadership roles, such as President, Pacific Coast Society for Prosthodontics and Editorial Review Board, Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. He was also honored with the Presidential Citation for Meritorious Service by the American College of Prosthodontists in 2016.
College of the Pacific
Mouchumi Bhattacharyya 24 years of service to Pacific (currently on leave). Dr. Bhattacharyya joined the Department of Mathematics in 2000 as an Assistant Professor, earned the rank of Full Professor in 2015, and chaired the department from 2021-2024. As related by her colleague and Chair, Sarah Merz, Mouchumi was ‘central to the evolution’ of the statistics curriculum and ‘a primary player’ in the development of the actuarial science program (now concentration in the Applied Mathematics major). Dr. Bhattacharyya has also served the College and University community through committees such as Courses and Standards, Faculty Grievance Committee and the COP Curriculum Committee. In addition to being a respected instructor and colleague, Mouchumi is also a collaborative scholar who has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications with colleagues from the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.
Brett DeBoer – 26 years of service to Pacific. As an Associate Professor of Graphic Design, Brett has made significant contributions in teaching artistic activity and service during his 25 years here. He has demonstrated exceptional versatility and dedication teaching many different courses, including Typography, Graphic Design, Design Thinking, and Honors Knowledge and Creativity. Though his main expertise is in graphic design, he has also taught sculpture. Professor DeBoer’s commitment to experiential learning is a hallmark of his teaching. Projects like the comprehensive wayfinding system proposal for the university and the Art Car performance installation stand as testaments to his ability to connect classroom learning with real-world applications. He has also chaired and co-chaired Visual Arts twice, including during the merger to form the Department of Art, Media, Performance and Design. Professor DeBoer has been instrumental in helping students connect with professional networks. He exemplifies student-centered leadership in all ways.
Scott Jensen – 19 years of service to Pacific. Professor Jensen joined the Psychology Department in 2006 and has been an inspirational instructor throughout his whole career at Pacific. In recognition of his teaching, Dr. Jensen won the Stephen Corson Award for Distinguished Teaching of Freshman in 2009 and students rate his teaching as ‘10/10’. Scott’s current Department Chair, Dr. Carolynn Kohn mentions, “Scott has continued to be an exemplary teacher, scholar, university citizen, and colleague. Colleagues and students alike find him both intelligent and approachable”. Additionally, Prof. Jensen has an impressive collection of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. His Dean comments that “As a licensed clinical psychologist with an active practice, his guidance has been invaluable to students considering entering the field." Also, Scott has served the university in many capacities as a long-time member of IRB, COP Council, Academic Council, AC Executive Board COP, Department Chair, Associate Dean for Student Success and Interim Dean of COP.
Brian Klunk –38 years of service to Pacific. Professor Klunk is retiring after joining Pacific in 1987 as an Assistant Professor in Political Science and the School of International Studies. Dr. Klunk’s leadership roles include Department Chair of Political Science for 17 years, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs in SIS, and convener for PACS/CORE. His service to the university is extensive and includes leadership of over 30 committees, most notably the GE Committee, Academic Council, the Committee for Pope John XXIII Lecture and Chair of the WASC Self-Review Committee. Brian is known widely for his "work ethic, professionalism, thoughtful input, and his ability to get things completed".
Camille Norton –Thirty-one years of service to Pacific. Professor Camille Norton is retiring from the English Department in the College of the Pacific as a renowned award-winning poet whose work has appeared in prestigious literary journals and anthologies such as Best America Poetry. As a respected
teacher, students have noted that Professor Norton has ‘empowered and challenged them to engage their critical and creative facilities, all while maintaining a classroom environment of mutual respect and support.’ For her teaching Dr. Norton received the Spanos Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2013. Camille also has a distinguished record of service, most notably serving as Chair of the Department of English, Gender Studies Board, and University Promotions and Tenure Committee.
Lisa Tromovitch –Twenty years of service to Pacific. As a Professor in the Theatre Arts Department, Lisa has taught such courses as Voice and Movement for the Stage, Stage Management, Beginning Acting, Directing, and Pacific Seminar (Core) and is known by students as a ‘caring, yet challenging mentor’. For her teaching, Professor Tromovitch was honored in 2023 with the Stephen E. Corson Award for Distinguished Teaching of Freshman. She was also instrumental in the creation of the Media X program now known as Media Arts and Production. The generation of this interdisciplinary program has put Pacific at the forefront of digital media programs. In addition to serving on many committees, Professor Tromovitch is known for her involvement and promotion of Phi Beta Kappa.
Conservatory of Music
Jeff Crawford Thirty-eight years of service to Pacific (not all as a faculty member). After 30 + years at Pacific as a staff member and faculty, Jeff Crawford retires as a non-tenure-track Assistant Professor of Practice in Music Industry. Jeff came to Pacific in 1987, first in a staff position with KUOP, then in a staff position with a concurrent appointment as a part-time faculty in the Conservatory of Music, becoming a full-time 9-month non-tenure-track faculty member from 2019 to 2025. As described by Order of Pacific recipient, Emeritus Professor Keith Hatschek, “Jeff always made himself abundantly available to Conservatory students, whether they were enrolled in one of his courses or not. During the pandemic, he helped the Conservatory to develop a set of guidelines and equipment packages to aid our student musicians in acquiring and learning how to best record themselves and expand their musical skills. His skills in acoustical sound recording, overdubbing, mixing, and mastering audio tracks has been an undeniable asset to year after year of Conservatory students exploring the world of sound recording.” Dean Peter Witte adds, “Jeff is passionate about music, learning, helping others, and about Pacific. For 38 years, including six as a full-time Assistant Professor of Practice, he’s moved Pacific forward, inclusively.”
McGeorge School of Law
John Sprankling – Thirty-three years of service to Pacific. Professor John Sprankling is retiring after more than thirty years at the McGeorge School of Law. During his time at Pacific, he has served as Associate Professor, Professor, Interim Dean, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and Distinguished Professor of Law. Current Associate Professor of Law Dan Croxall states, “Professor Sprankling is a model for what a great law professor should be. He is extremely intelligent, demanding of his students, and cares more about his students’ success than is expected of even the most dedicated educator…when Professor Sprankling speaks, the faculty (and students) listen”. Professor Sprankling is also renowned for his scholarship. His colleague, Professor Rachael Salcido remarks, “John has set the bar high for scholarship at the law school. Indeed, this is the reason we have a scholarship award annually that is named for Professor John Sprankling. In addition to his many highly placed law review articles on Property law, he was the first to author a comprehensive manuscript on the International Law of Property, which is published by the prestigious Oxford University Press. Finally, current Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Jeff Proske and Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz attest to, “Professor Sprankling’s distinguished service to the University of approximately 30 years, his sterling scholarly output, his excellence and dedication as a faculty colleague, and his brilliance as a teacher”.
Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy
John C. Livesey – Thirty-one years of service to Pacific. After more than thirty years of service to Pacific, Associate Professor John Livesey is retiring. He has designed, taught and coordinated many courses in the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy from Cell Regulation & Oncology to Physiology & Pathophysiology III to Molecular Pharmacology II. He has also been an active researcher-- building a research lab with undergraduate, PharmD and graduate students manifesting his commitment to training the next generation of researchers. Additionally, Dr. Livesey has been an immensely respected faculty leader at the School and University level. He has served on many influential committees. However, few will forget Professor Livesey’s stint as Academic Council Chair where he galvanized the faculty from all three campuses into a single voice through a momentous vote. His colleagues talk about John’s "remarkable synergy of personal strengths - a deeply thoughtful, deliberative and analytical capacity melded with inexhaustible patience and respect for others"
Linda Norton – Thirty-two years of service to Pacific. After more than thirty years of service to the University of the Pacific, Professor Linda Norton is retiring. Dr. Norton has made a lasting impact on the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy by serving in a variety of leadership roles during her years as a Professor of Pharmacy Practice. These include Director, Post Graduate Education (2000-2008), Assistant Dean of Operations (2005-2014), Associate Dean of Operations (2014-2019) and Department Chair of Pharmacy Practice (2019-2023). Dr. Norton has been an active researcher with over 30 peer-reviewed publications and presentations, more than 25 published abstracts and more than 35 major presentations. She has also represented Pacific well in her roles with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and American Academy of Pain Management. As her current Department Chair, Dr. Sian Carr-Lopez states, “It is difficult to truly capture the impact of her brilliant career at Pacific. Her genuine care for students and colleagues, her deep understanding of operations, her unique aptitude with drug information and clinical informatics, and her abilities as a servant leader and teacher/scholar have left an indelible mark on the school, our programs, our faculty and our graduates.”
CONGRATULATIONS TO: Tamer Alpagot, Bill Lundergan, David Ojcius, Patrick Roetzer, and Steve Sadowsky from the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry; Mouchumi Bhattacharyya, Brett DeBoer, Scott Jensen, Brian Klunk, Camille Norton and Lisa Tromovitch from the College of the Pacific; Jeff Crawford, Conservatory of Music; John Sprankling, McGeorge School of Law; and John Livesey and Linda Norton, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy.
The eligibility criteria for Emeriti are stated in Section 7.1.8 of the Faculty Handbook: “Tenured full professors, tenured associate professors, non-tenured faculty from schools with analogous promoted ranks and other faculty as nominated by the President may upon retirement be designated Emeritus or Emerita by the President of the University. Faculty must show a sustained record of service to the University and its students for at least ten years, or for those who have joined the University late in a distinguished career, a record of at least five years.” The schools, faculty and deans write nomination letters of recommendation. The letters then are directed to the Provost and the Academic Council for approval. The approved names are sent on to President Callahan for his concurrence.
The Board welcomes all fifteen of you to the Emeriti Society and we hope that you will become active in our Emeriti Society events. [Gene Pearson]
TO THE FIFTEEN 2025 NEW EMERITI WELCOME TO THE EMERITI SOCIETY!!
Spring Luncheon
Our annual Spring Luncheon was held on February 20 in the Alumni House. Our guest speaker was Ken Abala from the History Department. Ken presented an interesting and lively discussion on the development and writing of the book he helped edit, A Century in Stockton, Celebrating University of the Pacific’s Central Valley Campus. Forty-two attendees enjoyed a wonderful lunch, conviviality, and the presentation. Gabriella Musacchia, the AC Chair-elect, provided an update on the activities of the Stubblefield]
Conversation with President Chris Callahan
President Chris Callahan met with members of the Emeriti Society for an informal conversation on March 26, 2025. Seven Emeriti attended in person, with 8 more attending online. The President commented on our Emeriti being more engaged than he has seen in other institutions, and how the University tries to retain the legacies of those we have lost. He commented on his recent report to the Regents, including our university's strong financial rating and significant increase in enrollment during the past 5 years, with the School of Health Sciences now our third largest school. He described coming changes, including new degree programs, the opening of the Jie Du Inn, and a new ambulatory surgery center on the first floor of the Dental School in San Francisco. He also talked about current challenges to colleges and universities, and how Pacific is handling them so far. The conversation was very informative, and the Emeriti appreciate President Callahan taking time from his busy schedule to talk with us. [Roseann Hannon]
Flashback to 2024 - President’s Annual Holiday Party for Emeriti
On December 10th President Callihan hosted a Holiday Party for the Emeriti faculty at the Presidents house on main campus. This wonderful event was enjoyed by 45 emeriti and their guests. A delightful buffet of hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and soft drinks and wine was enjoyed by all. The President and his wife were gracious and welcoming hosts. The President gave a few welcoming remarks in which he emphasized his and his wife Jean's pleasure with hosting the Emeriti faculty. Several Vice Presidents also came by to visit with the Emeriti. This was a wonderful way to start off the holiday season [Phil Oppenheimer].
Doris Meyer Receives Emeriti Distinguished Service Award to
Doris Meyer became a member of the Emeriti Society upon her retirement from the College of the Pacific in 1990. She taught physical education classes in the Department of Sport Sciences and coached Pacific’s women sports team during her 34 years at Pacific. She was recognized with the Fay and Alex G. Spanos Distinguished Teaching Award in 1985 and was elected to the Pacific Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991.
In 1992 Doris was elected to a two-year term as Vice-President/Program Chair of the Emeriti Society. After her term as Vice President ended, in 1994 she was elected to serve a “two-year” term as President which she completed in 1998. After her four years as President, she continued her service to the Emeriti Society by furthering the development of the Society’s Oral History Project. In 2011-12 Doris served as co-President. She continued her work on the Oral History Project and her service as a member of the Emeriti Society Executive Board until the fall of 2024.
At the January 2025 meeting of the Emeriti Society Executive Board, the members voted unanimously to present Doris Meyer the first Emeriti Society Distinguished Service Award for her more than 30 years of outstanding service to the Society. [Gene Pearson]
Gene Pearson Receives National Advising Honor
Gene Pearson, one of the longest-serving professors in University of the Pacific history, has received another tribute for his work, leadership and longevity the 2024 Excellence in Advising Award from Mortar Board, a national academic honor society. Pearson is one of six people to receive the award this year, which emphasizes scholarship, leadership, service and the exchange of ideas for junior- and seniorlevel students.
For 34 years, Pearson has been the Mortar Board faculty advisor for the Knoles Chapter, named after the late First Lady Emily Knoles, wife of President Tully C. Knoles. Pearson was a professor at Pacific for 51 years until retiring in 2022. Pearson was nominated by Megan Carmichael ’25, last year’s chapter president and a student-athlete on the women’s tennis team.
“Dr. Pearson has been a steady, guiding presence, which has helped the organization thrive and achieve its goals,” Carmichael said. “He is always incredibly selfless and giving in his efforts as an advisor and truly embodies the ideals of Mortar Board.”
Pearson and chapter leaders say the academic makeup of Mortar Board makes the group special. The chapter has members from psychology, music, engineering, business and various other physical and social sciences. In addition to the academic focus, Mortar Board members take part in campus and community outreach, including working at Pacific Trick or Treat and holding children’s book drives. Pearson is retired but will stay on as Mortar Board faculty advisor until a new one is selected
Emeriti Society Reports
Oral History
In the mid-1990s when Doris Meyer was Emeriti Society President, several ways that the Emeriti Society could serve the University were explored with Don Walker, archivist, Holt Atherton Library, Stockton campus. It was decided that the Emeriti Society would take on the responsibility of coordinating an Oral History Project to support the understanding of the University’s history as seen through the eyes of faculty, administrators and staff. The first Oral History Project entry was an interview with DeMarcus Brown conducted by Jerry Briscoe in 1994.
Today, the collection consists of 93 online interviews (24 of which were conducted by Doris Meyer), three self-interviews/autobiographies, and one collection of memories. In all, as of March 26, 2025, there have been more than 13,000 downloads of those current interviews. Twelve of the interviews have been downloaded more than 200 times including: Paul Fairbrook’s Autobiography – 560 downloads;
Len Humphreys’ Interview – 505 downloads; Mike Sharp’s Interview 347 downloads; Gil Schedler’s interview 343 downloads; and Claude Rohwer’s interview 310 downloads.
Please, add your recollections to the Oral History Collection. Just contact Gene Pearson (epearson@pacific.edu) or any of the Emeriti Society board members. You may select your own interviewer. There is a list of suggested questions. Mike Wurtz is our Archives contact person at the William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center. He can arrange for an interview room and a zoom connection for you. Interviews can also be conducted entirely remotely using Zoom.
[Gene Pearson]
Treasurer’s Report
As of May 1, 2025, the Emeriti account had a balance of $4,258.78. We had 42 attendees at the Spring Luncheon held on February 20, 2025. We collected $180.00 for registrations and $55.00 in donations. The cost of that event was approximately $1,600.00. The registration for our luncheon was reduced to $5.00, due in part to the generosity of the Jean Matuszak Endowment, the Provost’s Office and others. It is due to our donations that we continue to have a positive balance in our account.
[Simalee Smith-Stubblefield]
Academic Council Highlights — Spring 2025
The Academic Council (AC) was very active this Spring Semester 2025. Justin Lowe, Associate Professor from Benerd College, as Academic Council chair, oversaw the business of the Council during 2024-2025 with AC’s executive board, past-chair and chair-elect.
The Council routinely reviewed and approved many new or revised courses and some revisions to some existing programs from departments within campus units.
In February, we had an interesting presentation about Pacific Global from Naraj Chaudhary, Dean of Libraries, Learning Center, and Pacific Global, and Chris Ferguson, Vice President of Enrollment Strategy, on work to seek enrollments of international students and the new location of programs for International Student Services and Pacific Global in the library. The Study Abroad program director is also part of the library. A company called Shorelight was hired about 7 to 8 years ago to provide programs in ESL and international student recruitment. Currently, the university has worked with Shorelight to redesign their work to help us find and enroll qualified international students for our campuses. Our campus has had an increase in students from India. There have been recruitment trips to India and Nepal and contacts with South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan, among other countries.
VP Ferguson also commented on how recruitment for Fall Semester 2025 is going for all students. Admissions applications were up by 10% for first year students; up by 100% for transfer students; and graduate student recruitment, non-professional, was slightly higher than last year. Applications for professional schools are also at a good level.
Provost Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert has provided her reports at each meeting. Her presentations have focused on efforts to communicate with members of Congress about support for research grants during this time of changes for Higher Education at the Federal Level. Josh Harder, member of Congress’s House of Representatives, and his staff have been helpful in speaking positively for our grant applications and other matters. She has commented on many other concerns about Federal changes to higher education.
The Academic Council has engaged in discussions and actions driven by issues at the Dental School, among other Professional Schools, and their working relationships with the President of the University.
Fifteen faculty members were nominated for Emerita or Emeritus designation, and AC approved them to go forward to the President and Board for final approval.
Professor Joan Lin-Cereghino, Department of Biology, has served as Vice Provost for Faculty for seven years. Joan has been so helpful and gracious to our Emeriti Society Executive Board for our meetings in Hand Hall. We thank her so much. She will be leaving this position at the end of June and returning to her teaching position. Professor Marcia Hernandez, Department of Sociology, will take on this important area of service to faculty and the University community. [Marilyn Draheim, Emeriti Representative]
C&K Member News....May
2025….Many Things
Gil Schedler
Just celebrated my 90th Birthday. I live in a cottage at O'Connor Woods. My two daughters, Rachel and Sara, were here -also my son Chris and daughter-in-law Jil, who live in Central Washington State. Jil just walked the Pacific Rim Trail from Mexico to Canada, 2,800 miles, 3 months.
For my birthday we took a boat ride on the Sacramento River and then drove to Rio Vista for a meal at the Point Restaurant.
Pat Cox
Life in Aptos continues to be good. Daily walks by the ocean, CSU Monterey Bay OLLI, a great public library nearby, friendly neighbors and keeping up with the busy lives of my children and grandchildren fill my quiet days. Fortunately, I can also get back to Stockton for my Town and Gown book group meetings, and visits with friends. I got my "wings" at the Biltmore in LA thanks to a Road Scholar Art Collections tour. Four of my grandchildren are either working or going to school in Los Angeles, so our family met there last summer - hence the two photos. My biggest news, however, is that I will enter Great Grandmother status in May when my oldest granddaughter Emily and her husband Max welcome their daughter. Since Pacific is still deep in my heart, I am so grateful for the work of the Emeriti Board in keeping us all in touch.
Jeri and I moved to Ventura in late March. We are very excited about starting a new chapter in our lives and becoming active members of our new community. We will certainly miss our friends in Stockton and attending UOP events.
Dick Abood
In Memoriam
Bill Carpenter
April 11, 1940 - January 24, 2025
Dugoni School of Dentistry
Dr. William McGregor Carpenter of San Francisco, California and most recently of Santa Fe, New Mexico, died on 24 January 2025 at the age of 84. He was known by his friends and colleagues as “Bill” or “Carp” and was president of the American Academy of Oral Medicine (AAOM) from 1993-1994 and remained a life-long member.
Dr. Carpenter was born in Monongahela, Pennsylvania and grew up in Charlerol, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Washington and Jefferson College in 1960 and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from University of Pittsburg in 1964.
Following his formal dental education, Dr. Carpenter began a 21-year career in the U.S. Army Dental Corps. During service to his country, Dr. Carpenter earned a Master of Science Degree in Oral Pathology from George Washington University in 1973 and trained at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in 1974-1975. He rose from Mentor of the Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine Programs at Walter Reed Medical Center to Chief of the Professional Division of Advanced Theory and Science of Dental Practice; he was consultant to the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army. He served as a professor at both Howard University College of Dentistry and George Washington University while on active duty. Carpenter retired with the rank of Colonel in 1985 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Order of Military Medical Merit, and the nation’s second highest peacetime award, the Legion of Merit. After leaving active duty in the military, Dr. Carpenter worked briefly as Associate Professor at Emory University from 1985-1986, which was followed by his appointment as Director of the Division of Pathology and Medicine at the University of Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of dentistry from 19862014. He also led the Pacific Oral Pathology laboratory at the University. Dr. Carpenter lectured and published extensively and received numerous awards for teaching excellence. His leadership in the Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology was highly significant, and he was a frequent lecturer at the American Dental Association meetings. Dr. Carpenter received Fellowship in the International College of Dentistry in 1981 and the American College of Dentists in 1988. He was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the University of Pittsburg’s School of Dental Medicine in 2006 and is listed Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.
Dr. Carpenter became a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Medicine in 1974. He was an examiner on the American Board of Oral Medicine and became a Life Member and President of the Academy in 1993-1994. Dr. Carpenter was awarded Honorary Fellowship in the AAOM in 1996, and received the Diamond Pin award in 2002, which is the highest award given by the Academy.
Dr. Carpenter’s life was one of service, research, dedication and passion for his profession, students, colleagues and family. He is preceded in death by Beverly Brown Carpenter, his wife of 53 years, his parents, Dora Riva and Charles Carpenter, and his stepfather Anthony Centanni. He is survived by his children: Cy Carpenter, Scott Carpenter and Mary Dalsin, his five grandchildren: Amber Walsh, Michael and Luca Dalsin, CyCy and Eliana Carpenter, and his second wife, Trudence Adair Kaplan Carpenter.
Elmer Clawson
February 24, 1935 – April 27, 2025
Benerd School of Education
Elmer U. (Moke) Clawson, Jr. (1935-2025). Dr. Clawson came to the University of the Pacific in 1974 and retired from UOP in 1995. Prior to coming to UOP, he was a teacher and administrator in California public schools for thirteen years and taught at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and the University of the Pacific. He was given the distinguished professor award in the School of Education, as well as the Order of the Pacific, the University’s highest honor, and granted Professor Emeritus status. In recognition of his work as an administrator, author, researcher, and teacher he received an honorary life membership in the California Congress of Parents and Teachers (PTA). Dr. Clawson was instrumental in establishing the University’s Center for the Development of Economics Education in 1975, for which he received the Award for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge. In 2002 he was selected as San Joaquin County’s Big Brother of the Year.
Dr. Clawson’s friends knew him a “Moke.” He valued his family, his lifelong friends from Jackson High School (Class of 1953), his fellow graduate students, colleagues from his work in public schools and universities, and his many friends. He graduated from Jackson High School (1953); earned a BA in Education (1957) and an MA in School Administration (1965) from California State University, Sacramento; an MA in Economics from the University of Colorado (1948), and a doctorate in Social Science Education from the University of Georgia (1972). He continued to be a student throughout his life.
Dr. Clawson was born in Ripon, California at the height of the depression. He was blessed with parents who nurtured, encouraged, believed in him, and made great sacrifices for him. He is survived by his wife Rasheeda, his daughter Tai Flynn (Brian), stepsons Mark Riddlesperger (Catherynne) and Michael Riddlesperger (Anna), two grandchildren (Ryan and Addison) and many loving nieces and nephews.
At his request, no service will be held.
In the timeframe of eternity, the mountains are as clouds. (author unknown). Hasta Siemre.
Neil Lark
September
10, 1934 - November 9, 2024
College of the Pacific
Neil Lark, a physics professor who taught at University of the Pacific for more than three decades and helped establish Raymond College, died Nov. 9 in Stockton at the age of 90.
Lark began his 37-year career at Pacific in 1962 as an assistant professor of natural sciences. He was brought on to help develop the science curriculum for Raymond College, one of Pacific’s three cluster colleges that operated from 1962 to 1986. The colleges, modeled after Oxford and Cambridge, integrated faculty and students into living and learning communities. In an oral history interview with Pacific’s Emeriti Society in 2011, Lark recalled fond memories working with students.
“We were doing something we really cared about, and put a lot into it,” he said. “We had a group of students who were very much aligned with us and very close to us. The relationships were excellent.”
Lark transferred to College of the Pacific in 1975 where he taught physics, eventually becoming chair of the department. Before retiring in 1999, he worked closely with Professor of Physics James Hetrick to prepare him to take over as department chair. “Neil was a tremendous colleague, mentor, friend and one of the most thoughtful people I’ve met,” Hetrick said. “When about half of the physics department retired in 1997, he stayed another two years to help ease the transition for new faculty and ensure that some of the innovative culture of the cluster colleges was passed on. Neil’s inspired teaching lives on in the curriculum of our classes like The Physics of Music and Astrophysics, which he taught for many years.”
In addition to teaching, Lark was a dedicated researcher in the fields of nuclear physics and astronomy. His research took him around the world, including the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen, the Brookhaven National Lab in New York and the Australian National University in Canberra. He also held various research positions during the summer months at Lawrence Berkeley Lab, Lawrence Livermore Lab, Los Alamos National Lab and Texas A&M University.
Lark also spent many years volunteering with children in area schools. “Neil Lark was passionate about teaching and helping students at all levels understand the natural world,” said Associate Professor Lydia Fox, chair of the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. “He created workshops for local school teachers to help them become better science teachers. In retirement, he volunteered in local schools as a science mentor for their students.” The county-run program connected retired scientists and engineers with area elementary schools where they gave presentations to students. “I had my misgivings, thinking that I would not be effective in working with little kids,” Lark recalled. “But I went ahead and went through the training … and just loved it.” He volunteered with the program for 11 years, continuing with assistance from his wife Liz after suffering a stroke in his second year.
Originally from Baker, Oregon, Lark earned his bachelor’s degree from Chico State College and his PhD from Cornell University.
He is survived by his wife Liz, sons Kenneth and David and seven grandchildren.
Larry Spreer
June 7, 1943 - March 21, 2025
College of the Pacific
Larry Spreer, Professor of Chemistry, died at age 81 on March 21, 2025. Larry received his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Colorado in 1969. He began teaching at Pacific in 1970 and continued until his retirement in 2011. Upon his retirement, Larry was awarded the Order of the Pacific, the highest award the University can give, which recognizes one’s distinguished service and outstanding contributions to the University over a significant number of years. A celebration of life for Larry will be held on June 8, 2025 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the Alumni House. A formal announcement should be sent out soon.
Dr Spreer’s Memorial is June 8th at the Alumni House from 2-5pm.
Tanya Storch
March 7, 2025
College of the Pacific
Faculty Emerita Tanya Storch, known for her inspired teaching style and insightful research into Asian religions, died March 7 in New Mexico at the age of 68.
Storch taught at University of the Pacific for 23 years, starting as an assistant professor in 2000 in what was then the Department of Religious Studies. Her academic specialty was Chinese Buddhism, but she also taught and was well-versed in many of the world’s religious traditions.
“Tanya was a highly respected scholar of great intelligence and keen insight,” said Professor of History Alan Lenzi, a former colleague. In addition to her “path-breaking research,” Lenzi described her as a beloved teacher who inspired countless students and an accomplished poet.
“Above all these things, what stands out most to me is that Tanya was a unique, generous, lovely human being who greeted everyone with an open mind, a kind heart, and, often, with hands folded in front of her slightly bowing head. There was no one like Tanya,” Lenzi said.
An accomplished linguist and polyglot, Storch could speak more than eight languages and was able to read and translate others, including Greek, Latin, Sanskrit and Old Chinese. She wrote several books, including “The History of Chinese Buddhist Bibliography: Censorship and Transformation of the Tripitaka” and a textbook for dream interpretation, called “Textbook in Dream Analysis for College and University Students.” She wrote poetry in Russian and English. “Tanya Storch was an amazingly gifted intellectual who also had a remarkable ability to get students to immerse themselves in the material,” said Professor of Philosophy George Randels. “She made connections with the diverse local religious communities, which was beneficial to those communities as well as key for educating students about religious traditions. Tanya was a great asset to Pacific and Stockton, and I mourn her loss.” Storch viewed her efforts to connect Pacific with local houses of worship as her most important service. She fostered connections with the Cambodian, Lao-Hmong, Chinese and Sikh communities in Stockton as well as the synagogue Temple Israel and the Japanese Pure Land temple.
Former student Clara Gallagher ’11 described her as “the teacher you always wanted.” The two developed a close friendship after her graduation. Gallagher recalls guest speakers who would show cultural demonstrations to the class and visits to temples to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students. “I witnessed her bring students alive who you wouldn’t think would come alive in these classes,” she said. “They’re doing it because it’s a prerequisite, but they walked out of it in love with her courses.”
Storch began her study of Asian religions in St. Petersburg where she was born and raised, earning a master’s degree in East Asian Studies from the University of St. Petersburg. She was among the last refugees from the Soviet Union shortly before its collapse. She and her family lived in Rome for a short time before immigrating to the United States in the early 1990s. She attended the University of Pennsylvania where she earned a PhD in East Asian studies and taught at the University of Florida before joining Pacific.
In 2010, the Stockton Record profiled Storch’s experience studying religion in the former Soviet Union and subsequent interrogations by the KGB.
Former colleague Elena Savelieva-Thompson, who also grew up in St. Petersburg, was one of the first people to meet Storch when she joined Pacific. “She was a strong woman,” she said. “Strong willed and physically strong,” adding that, “her students absolutely adored her. She was a wonderful, wonderful teacher.”
Storch leaves behind her husband and two sons, both Pacific alumni.
Tom Stubbs
October 6, 1934 – March 4, 2025
College of the Pacific
Tom Stubbs served as Pacific's longtime baseball coach, but also acted as an assistant football coach, assistant athletic director, associate athletic director, interim athletic director and as a professor in the sports sciences department.
In 18 seasons with Stubbs in the dugout, Pacific's baseball program went 410384 with 18 players going on to play professionally. Stubbs spent his first five years at UOP as an assistant football coach but gave that up to become the school's assistant athletic director. He oversaw scholarships, financial aid, eligibility and "anything else the athletic director asked me to do."
He stepped down as baseball coach after the 1981 season to take the position of UOP's associate athletic director. Throughout his tenure, Stubbs taught classes in Pacific's sport sciences department and helped shape the department's curriculum. He also helped develop the school's sport management program and athletic training track.
Stubbs also stepped in twice as the school's interim athletic director - once in 1983-84 and again in 1988-89 - before his retirement in 1999.
Tom’s philosophy during his years at Pacific was: “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit." Tom was inducted into Pacific’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997.