Skip to content
  • Print

CONTACT US

Office of the President
University of the Pacific
3601 Pacific Avenue
Stockton, CA 95211
209.946.2222

Thank you, Maria Pallavicini, for your leadership

On July 1, 2019, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Maria Pallavicini stepped into the role of interim president for University of the Pacific. We thank her for her leadership during an unprecedented year of changes.

Write a Message

The Spanos Family
We wish to express our gratitude and admiration to Dr. Pallavicini for rendering such a tremendous service to the University of Pacific by shepherding the school as interim president. Her extraordinary talents and dedication contributed to a flawless transition. Thank you!

Lani Schiff-Ross
Executive Director, First 5 San Joaquin; ’85 Pacific graduate

As both a member of the Beyond our Gates Council, and as an alumna, I truly appreciate your commitment and dedication to the University, and to the community, during this time of transition. Thank you for your perseverance in what was likely the longest year of your life.

Douglass W. Wilhoit, Jr.
CEO, Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce sends a big thank you and appreciation to Provost Maria Pallavicini for the phenomenal service she provided the university and the community as interim president during these most challenging of times. We wish her well as she returns to her post as provost!

Ann Johnston
Former Stockton Mayor and current Beyond Our Gates Executive Committee member

Thank you for meeting every challenge this past year with a spot-on vision for what is best for the university and its students. Your leadership has been exemplary at this historic time in the university's history!

Kay Ruhstaller
CEO, Family Resource and Referral Center

On behalf of the community, we would like to thank Maria Pallavicini for serving the past year as interim president. We very much appreciated that the University of the Pacific was able to continue its role as the backbone organization for the Beyond Our Gates Initiative supporting literacy and early-learning efforts.

James Mousalimas
Superintendent, San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools
Maria, thank you for taking the reins at Pacific and continuing the critical work the university does alongside local organizations and educators to benefit the entire community.

Ellen Junn
President, California State University, Stanislaus
I want to commemorate and honor Interim President Maria Pallavicini for her warm, thoughtful and collaborative style. I have sincerely appreciated getting to know her as another dedicated leader committed to providing high quality access to higher education for students in our Stockton region and beyond. Warmest wishes to Dr. Pallavicini for her past leadership and continuing work at Pacific.

Carol Ornelas
CEO, Visionary Home Builders
Thank you Maria Pallavicini for your hard work and leadership during a very difficult time. You truly are appreciated.

Suzy Daveluy
Interim Director of Community Services, City of Stockton
Thanks to the collaboration and community building that is the hallmark of Beyond Our Gates, the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library has been able to reach further and accomplish greater impact in its mission to increase community literacy. Our heartfelt thanks to Maria Pallavicini for continuing the momentum of Beyond Our Gates.

Faimous Harrison
Dean, Stockton Campus, Stanislaus State

Maria, thank you for your unwavering leadership and advancing the University of Pacific's mission while serving as the interim president even during unprecedented times on a global scale in the recent history of higher education.

Kristen Birtwhistle, ‘81
President and CEO, United Way of San Joaquin County
Your ongoing support of Pacific during this transition has been nothing short of phenomenal and we thank you for your leadership and advocacy for all your support to our nonprofits beyond the walls of the university. Thank you for making United Way a partner with your staff and faculty and for having such a tremendous community heart.

Ken Mullen
Vice President for Business and Finance, University of the Pacific
Maria took the helm of the university thinking this was a year of transition. She didn’t envision that we would face a global crisis. Maria’s leadership through this pandemic has been caring, decisive and on point. From the moment we realized that the pandemic tidal wave was about to approach our doors up until the meetings we held this morning, she has worked tirelessly on behalf of the institution and on our behalf to ensure we are safe and able to continue our work during the pandemic. Few leaders, if any, have taken the helm under such circumstances. She is to be applauded for the great sacrifice and effort she has made on our behalf.

Elizabeth Quijano,
University of the Pacific 
Thank you so much for being our interim president. You inspired us so much to continue our work in the midst of this crisis. May God bless you and your family always. See you soon when we all go back to work.

Ciara Winters,
Pacific Student 
Thank you so much for your hard work last year. I know the coronavirus striking was very unexpected during your interim year, but you handled it very well! Thanks again.

Lisa Jones,
University of the Pacific 
Thank you so much for stepping up to the plate and guiding with care and concern. What a challenging time you inherited! Happy to have you continuing to lead us in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

Amy Field,
University of the Pacific
 
Maria, thank you for your amazing strength and care during a time of great upheaval. You did not sign on for this, yet you have weathered the storm with grace and fortitude. Thank you for your leadership!

Mary-Beth Moylan,
University of the Pacific 
Thank you for your willingness to step up and lead through a very tumultuous year. It will certainly be a time to remember and a story to tell. Wishing you all the best as you return to the Provost role.

Jim Dugoni,
University of the Pacific 
Maria, thank you for being such a dynamic and transparent leader for Pacific as our Interim President. I look forward to your continued leadership as our Provost in partnership with President Callahan. You two will be a dynamic duo, pushing Pacific forward in the months and years ahead. Go Tigers!!

Jiong Hu,
University of the Pacific 
Thank you Maria for leading us through this past year. To say it has been unprecedented and challenging is an understatement. I truly appreciate your leadership and contribution to all of us at Pacific. Thank you.

Gwendolyn Dailey,
Pacific Student 
Dr. Pallavicini, your leadership is inspiring! You continued to stabilize Pacific in an unprecedented and uncertain time. With faith, you allowed our institution to continue to serve the students and community. Similar to Burns Tower, your courageous efforts stands for all to see and admire; because of your sacrifice, I can continue as a doctoral student and TRIPLE alumna - ('13,'17 & TAE '24). Thank you! May God continue to bless you as you have us! "Well done, good and faithful servant!"


Cassidy Johnson,
Pacific Student 
Thank you for your excellent leadership and your willingness to partake in conversations with students! This last year has been challenging on many fronts and I think you handled it all with grace. I know this job couldn’t have been easy, and we’re all glad you were up to the challenge.

Nicoleta Bugnariu,
Founding Dean, School of Health Sciences, University of the Pacific 
Thank you so much for your vision and thoughtful leadership; your strategic, clear directions and your approach to navigate challenges with integrity, transparency, compassion and grace. I want you to know that when I had to make a choice, I accepted Pacific's offer because of you, because I recognized in you a leader that I wanted to learn from and model. And at that time I only got a glimpse at the surface! Looking forward to building great things together.

Said Shakerin,
University of the Pacific 
You took the helm right after difficulties with the previous leader; you steadied the waters. Virus upended everything; you handled it. Double standard initiated large-scale unrest; you exhibited understanding and listened. And more. I appreciated, and was amazed by, the multitude, but timely, letters you sent out throughout the year (plus virtual meetings to the last week). Thank you, Maria, for your work during, perhaps, the most difficult circumstances.

Rick Hutley,
University of the Pacific 
Many thanks for your outstanding leadership over the past year. This has been the most challenging year ever to take on this role. You have done an amazing job of ensuring Pacific remained able to support our students, and each other. Your leadership during this period has been an exemplar for ourselves and our students. I encourage you, once you have had time to decompress (if that is ever possible) to document your experiences as an amazing case study for our students. My sincere thanks. Rick

Wendy Cornwall,
University of the Pacific 
Thank you for all you have done for Pacific. Your hard work during these trying times is appreciated.

Steven Whyte,
University of the Pacific 
Maria, I simply want to thank you for all you have done. From your very first town hall conversations where it seemed we were taking WITH a friend to steering us through this pandemic. You are a remarkable person and I for one am a better person for knowing you and working with you. May God Bless every part of your life.

Steve Perdicaris,
University of the Pacific 
Maria, Thanks so much for your leadership this past year. Happy to see you will remain as Provost. Pacific is fortunate to have you.

Barry Harper '66,
Pacific Alumni 
Thanks for your leadership, commitment and passion to make Pacific a shining star in the West. Go Tigers!

Brett Cameron,
University of the Pacific 
Thank you for your efforts and work during this challenging year and congratulations on a job well done!


Suzanne Malley,
University of the Pacific 
Dr. Pallavicini, you did a remarkable job as Interim President and realized many accomplishments that deserve recognition and thanks. Thank you for all your hard work, dedication and always keeping the university community informed as we faced unprecedented and challenging issues this past year. Your presidential leadership was valued and very much appreciated.

Emeriti Society,
University of the Pacific 
Maria - At any time, an institution relies on good leadership. In crisis times, the leader must define a strategy and instill confidence that it is wise and prudent. This year you provided Pacific great leadership. Your decisive actions when pandemic fears hit was critical. Impressively, your actions allowed faculty and administrators to serve students and preserve a level of normalcy in a virtual world. Our Emeriti Society wants to recognize your outstanding work and thank you.

Franz Vaiarello,
Pacific Alumni 
You stepped into a reasonable situation that turned into a maelstrom. And from that you step out of the crucible having achieved a myriad of accomplishments. No doubt they will continue to benefit students for years to come. Additionally, the role and image of Pacific in the California higher education landscape is enhanced. The management of your staff and steadfast leadership across the many facets of the University is appreciated and applauded. Thank you.

Georgette Hunefeld,
University of the Pacific 
Thank you for the steadfast leadership over the past year in particular. The level of transparency was clearly an example of your respect for students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and stakeholders. We are truly blessed you will continue to guide the academic vigor of Pacific during these next transitional years.

Georgette Hunefeld,
University of the Pacific 
Thank you for the steadfast leadership over the past year in particular. The level of transparency was clearly an example of your respect for students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and stakeholders. We are truly blessed you will continue to guide the academic vigor of Pacific during these next transitional years.

Mike Klocke,
University of the Pacific 
Thank you so much for your steadfast guidance throughout this challenging past year. Your leadership has meant so much to so many.


Chris Goff,
University of the Pacific 
Thank you for stepping up and taking on a challenging role in challenging times. Welcome back to the Provost's seat!

Janice Bross,
University of the Pacific 
Dr. Pallavicini - You served Pacific with such calm grace and leadership during this most difficult time is. Thank you for all you have done. You made us proud to be part of this university.


Jeffrey Michael,
University of the Pacific 
What a year! Thanks for your commitment and leadership at this pivotal time. I look forward to continuing to work with you as Provost.

Patrick Ferrillo,
Former Dean, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific 
Congratulations. You accomplished much, especially during this difficult time. I found working with you a joy. Hope you can get some rest before the new academic year. Be safe and healthy. 
Your friend, Pat

Lois Meyer,
University of the Pacific 
Thank you for your dedication and stoicism in the face of unforeseen challenging times. You are a model of strength and perseverance.


Dan Castagna, DDS,
University of the Pacific 
Thank you for your year as our interim president! So many usual & unusual matters that you attended & dealt with. I look forward to seeing you at the dental school or a university event...take care.


Yvette Khan,
University of the Pacific 
It is said, “A true test of leadership is how well you function in a crisis.” You’ve lead with grace and intelligence, and are an inspiration. You believed in us and in what we could accomplish together. You showed unwavering integrity to Pacific’s mission, not only keeping the boat afloat, but creating a thriving Pacific community comprised of community leaders, students, faculty and staff. Thank you!

Nicolasa Kuster,
University of the Pacific
I appreciate your leadership. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to Pacific, to learning, to us all!


Karissa Acosta,
Pacific Student 
You have much love and respect from myself and the rest of the Pacific community. I am excited to see your ideas on how to further improve the university be put into action.


Alohna Dever,
University of the Pacific 
I appreciate your leadership during the challenging times of finding a new president and steering us through the transitions that occurred due to COVID-19. Thank you for your commitment to Pacific.