First Lady helps enhance Pacific experience

First Lady Jean Callahan is hard at work behind the scenes at University of the Pacific.

Since arriving, she has immersed herself in what she calls Pacific’s “deep and rich” community—often walking her retriever Cali around campus or greeting prospective students and families. And Callahan has students, faculty, staff, alumni and the public seeing the university in a new light through her subtle touches.

“I want my contributions to be helpful and impactful,” said Callahan, a Jersey City native. “I want to help the university and the people here and support the university in whatever way makes sense.”

Looking at the campus with a fresh eyes perspective while honoring its beauty and history, she has helped create more student-focused spaces, including updating the interior of the Don and Karen DeRosa University Center to add more comfortable furniture and gaming areas.

The goal with the “refresh” is to make students aware of what is available to them, Callahan said, and to bring more life and fun to the campus while showcasing its natural surroundings.

But Callahan’s efforts go beyond aesthetics. She strives to build community and enhance life at Pacific.

Chris Ferguson, vice president for strategic enrollment, said Jean Callahan has been instrumental for his department, whether it’s improving the Burns Tower Welcome Center, investing in communal spaces, or hosting receptions for parents of prospective students.

“(Jean and President Christopher Callahan) are student-centric,” Ferguson said. “They believe in students and families first in everything they do and are motivated to help them feel at home and comfortable.”

“The work that Jean does has a direct impact in helping students feel welcome,” he added. “…students who are more comfortable and engaged on campus are much more likely to be successful.”

Though Callahan is a human resources executive, it’s her role as a mother of two recent college graduates that inspires her. She understands that a student’s college years are impactful and will shape their future, she said.

“We’ve been trying to create more positive engagement opportunities and break down barriers,” Callahan said.

Building relationships is a cornerstone of a Pacific education, Callahan said. The events and the upgrades—whether it is fixing uneven bricks in the Grace Covell Hall courtyards, adding fresh paint or incorporating entertainment and relaxation space to the DeRosa University Center lawn—create experiences that can be transformational.

“Jean has been a tremendous partner and supporter of students,” said Allison Dumas, associate vice president for student involvement and equity. “I value her input and ability to jump into a project completely to enhance the experience of our students.

“She is a valued thought partner and has been an active member of our team.”

Dumas said Callahan jumped in supporting the Women of Distinction Awards committee, helping organize giant chess pieces, painted tiger paw prints and other fun elements that have found their way around campus, hosting welcome receptions for new students and families, and spearheading the renovation of the Military and Veteran Student Center.

Stan Rapada, assistant director of the center, inherited the building, which needed updating. He quickly realized he needed help and contacted Callahan after learning that she revamped Burns Tower.

“She was so enthusiastic and supportive,” Rapada said. “I couldn’t have done this—it would have turned out like army barracks.”

“Jean has transformed the center for the university into a haven—something that we're truly proud of,” he said. “We want it to be welcoming. We want veterans to feel like this is their second home. We want them to feel like they can come in here and relax and be themselves, and I think Jean certainly has created that.”

Callahan, a self-described workaholic, said she and Chris are here to support Pacific.

“We have committed to be here for a while and to help take Pacific to the next level,” she said. “We’re excited about the future, about what the university has to offer the Pacific family, and for the students of today and tomorrow.

“Pacific is a special campus that has so much to offer.”

Get to know Jean:

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Fairfield University in Connecticut

Children: Cody, 29 and Casey, 24 (and new puppy Cali)

Favorite book: The Bible (her father, a career AT&T engineer, is a deacon)

Favorite pastime: Spending time with Chris and her sons watching sitcoms, playing board games or attending sporting events

Favorite time of the year? Fall for the freshness in the air and the colors

Favorite athletic team: The Arizona Diamondbacks

Favorite location on campus: Pam Eibeck and Bill Jeffery Muir Grove

Favorite dish that Chris Callahan cooks: Smoked salmon