Dear Pacifica Community,
The month of May has settled in with warmer weather and with beautiful flowers in full bloom—we are welcoming a season of reflection, celebration, and transition.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a meaningful reminder to care for ourselves and one another. Whether through small daily acts of self-care or reaching out for support, let’s continue to foster a campus culture of compassion and well-being.
The month of May is a special time as it is the opening of Graduation Season, which unfolds across the country. We join in celebrating the incredible accomplishments of graduates everywhere—especially our own students—who have reached this meaningful milestone. Behind every graduate is a village or network of support, and we also extend our appreciation to the families, friends, faculty, and mentors who have cared for and cheered them on throughout their educational journey. To our graduating students: CONGRATULATIONS! Through your dedication, resilience, and deep personal growth, you’ve arrived at this moment. We honor not only what you’ve achieved, but who you’ve become along the way.
The Office of People Culture and Belonging (OPCB) would also like to extend gratitude to our Faculty, thank you for your guidance, passion, and tireless commitment to student success. Your mentorship is one of many living examples of how you regularly live Pacifica’s mission and values. You have helped shape futures, inspired learning, and made this moment possible for so many students.
We look forward to celebrating the 2025 graduates in attendance at our upcoming Commencement ceremony (May 24) and, for the MA Counseling graduates, the day prior at their Thesis Presentation Day (May 23). These culminating events are a recognition of student achievements and the power of our community and mission. Thanks to the many faculty and staff whose efforts make these days possible.
As we approach Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, we pause to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. Pacifica’s community will observe the holiday on Monday May 26th.
Looking ahead, we will be launching our Annual Campus Climate Survey on May 29. Your participation is encouraged – your insights are invaluable and will help shape our priorities and guide the work we do in the future. We are also already preparing for an exciting and productive summer as well as our annual Summer BBQ on July 30th (Save the Date). Thank you for your continued dedication as we transition into this next chapter together.
We hope the remainder of May finds you in a space filled with joy and restoration.
Warmly,
Deneatrice Lewis
Pacifica Graduate Institute
Vice President of People Culture and Belonging
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.
