The Story of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California

Having first been chartered on July 10, 1851 in Santa Clara, University of the Pacific eventually made its way to Stockton in 1923. UOP or simply “Pacific” prides itself on its title as California’s 1st university, CA’s 1st independent coeducational campus, and as the 1st Conservatory of Music & first medical school on the West Coast. Along with liberal arts & graduate school, UOP specializes in schools of business, dentistry, education, engineering, international studies, law, music, pharmacy, and health sciences.

It is also home to the historic papers of environmental pioneer John Muir, the man responsible for helping to preserve Yosemite Valley & Sequoia National Park, and for setting an example for inspiring the preservation of many other wilderness areas. The Muir papers are located inside the Holt-Atherton Special Collections & Archives, and UOP features a museum style presentational space for said papers, as well as “The Muir Experience,” a display of physical and digital exhibits to inspire user interaction with Muir’s work.

On top of all that, Pacific has had some famous and well known alumni in the fields of academia, business, entertainment, government & politics, science & engineering, and sports. Some of those names include local business patriarchs Alex & Dean Spanos, CA State Senator & San Francisco Mayor George Moscone, 9th circuit Court of Appeals Judge Johnnie Rawlinson, NASA astronaut & Stockton resident José Hernandez, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, NFL Hall of Fame coach for the Raiders Tom Flores, award winning writer Matt de la Peña, jazz pianist Dave Brubeck, A Christmas Story’s Darren McGavin, acting legend Janet Leigh, and her equally legendary daughter, actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

Not to mention, it was once the cinematic educational institution of a certain archaeology professor who had himself a daring adventure or two… or soon to be five…

For more on the many Hollywood productions that have used the University of the Pacific, as well as other spots in Stockton as their settings, click here!

Given it’s wealth of rich history & knowledge—and a legendary alumni whose members’ list continues to grow—University of the Pacific is easily one of the most recognizable staples in Stockton, CA.

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