Dear Pacifica Community,
The last few years, we have set up ofrendas (altars) on both campuses for the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
By recognizing this cultural celebration, we not only pay tribute to an important tradition deeply rooted in Mexico and Central America, and Mexican Americans in the United States, but we also embrace the values of remembrance, connection, and community that unite us all.
As a community, we take this time to share stories, reflect with gratitude, and appreciate the diverse traditions that make our workplace stronger and more connected.
Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” is a vibrant and sacred holiday celebrated worldwide. It’s a time to remember and celebrate the lives of our loved ones who have passed away. This beautiful tradition is a testament to the enduring connection between the living and the deceased. It’s a way of saying, “Se Te Recuerda” – “You are remembered.”
Altars, or ofrendas, for Día de los Muertos are filled with items that honor deceased loved ones and help guide their spirits back home:
- Flowers: Marigolds, or cempasúchil, are the traditional flower used to decorate altars. Their strong scent and bright orange color are said to help guide spirits home.
- Candles: Candles symbolize love and help spirits find their way to the altar. They are often arranged in a cross to represent the cardinal directions.
- Food: Favorite foods of the deceased, such as tamales, tortillas, pumpkin, and mole, are placed on the altar as an offering.
- Sugar skulls: Also known as calaveras, these represent the deceased and the sweetness of life.
- Salt: Salt is said to quench the souls’ thirst and purify them.
- Water: Water is left on the altar so the spirits can quench their thirst.
- Papel picado: These traditional paper banners have holes that allow souls to pass through and visit.
- Incense or copal: Incense or copal attracts the souls of the deceased and keeps bad spirits away.
- Pictures: Photos of the deceased are placed on the altar.
- Personal belongings: Ornamental or personal belongings of the deceased can be displayed on the altar.
We invite everyone to join in—visit our ofrendas, contribute a photo or memory, or simply take a moment to learn about this meaningful celebration and the joy it brings to remembering together.
Ofrendas are located on Lambert – in the breezeway of the Administrative Building, and Ladera – inside the reception area.
The ofrendas will be up through November 3rd. Please have your personal belongings removed by EOD, Wednesday, November 5th.
Warmly,
The Office of People, Culture & Belonging/HR
Deneatrice Lewis, MS, is the Vice President of People, Culture, and Belonging at Pacifica Graduate Institute. She engages with students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and community partners to foster an inclusive culture. Overseeing Human Resources, she identifies challenges, crafts strategic solutions, and integrates Pacifica’s goals into HR and organizational development.
Deneatrice is an experienced HR professional with a background in both private and public educational environments. She has worked at the University of La Verne, American Career College, San Bernardino Community College District, Woodland Joint Unified School District, and Santa Barbara City College (SBCC). She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Leadership and Organizational Management, both with a concentration in Human Resources, from the University of La Verne.
Hired as Director of Human Resources at SBCC during the pandemic, Deneatrice advanced systems, processes, and relationships with integrity and compassion. In 2022, she became the interim VP of HR.
