Dear Pacifica Community,
This is an important and wonderful time in the course of the academic year here at Pacifica. We are on the cusp of two profound occasions: Thesis Presentation Day and Commencement. These events invite us to honor the journeys of our graduating students and reflect on the meaningful work cultivated in our learning community.
Since coming to Pacifica, I have found that one of the most profound ways I can learn of the core of Pacifica is through the eyes and minds of our students—in the ways that depth is manifested in your scholarly work and presentations. Your theses and dissertations are not just academic achievements; they are expressions of personal passion and energy, uniquely fused with the deep learning and knowledge students encounter here. Commencement, too, has always represented something deeply significant for me. In my 20 years in higher education, it has marked the culmination of why we are all here: to support a personal path of learning and discovery that, through rigorous study and great teaching, leads to a degree. And that degree, in turn, empowers our graduates to carry forward their energy and insight—to their communities, their clients, and their professional peers. Whether you are a student graduating, participating, or just starting your time here… it is important to celebrate this time- as it is part of the reason we are all here… together.
Today, Friday, May 23 – MA Counseling Psychology Thesis Presentation Day
This day holds special significance, offering MA Counseling Psychology students the opportunity to share the research they’ve developed in their thesis projects. With nearly 45 presenters this year, we invite members of the Pacifica community across programs to attend virtually. The full schedule and Zoom links, organized by track, are available on the Thesis Presentation Day webpage.
Saturday, May 24 – 2025 Commencement Ceremony
Held once again at the beautiful Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, this year’s Commencement will celebrate over 130 of our graduates. Families, friends, and members of our faculty and staff will gather in person, and the event will be live-streamed for broader access. We are honored to welcome Kumu Ramsay Taum as this year’s Commencement speaker, and we look forward to the themes he will share with us.
Please visit https://www.pacifica.edu/commencement/ for additional details on the ceremony and streaming.
To all our graduating students: congratulations. We recognize the depth of your work, your perseverance, and your dedication to the vocation of soul. It is a joy to celebrate with you, and we look forward to the inspiration these days will bring to our whole community.
Warm regards,
Dr. Colin Marlaire
Interim President & CEO
Provost & VP, Academic Affairs
