In 2023, gifts to University of the Pacific made a powerful impact for students like Machelle Logan ’24. 

Logan, an English major and first-generation college student, dreams of becoming a primary school teacher. The youngest of six daughters raised mainly by a single mother, she loved learning, but higher education wasn’t an option for her right out of high school. Undeterred, Logan began teaching dance at her local studio, slowly saving up enough money to begin her studies. More than five years later, she enrolled at Delta College, and later transferred to Pacific to complete her degree.

With donors’ support, Logan is closing in on her dream. Thanks to the scholarships she receives, her final year at Pacific has been her best yet. 

“Scholarships changed my life. I am able to work less and focus on my education,” Logan said. “This is the first year I have been able to participate in clubs and extracurriculars. I am most proud to say I have the highest GPA I have ever had in my college career. 

“I am eternally grateful for the support I have received through scholarships, and I can confidently say that I would not be here without them.” 

Logan is one of 1,290 Pacific students who received scholarship aid during the 2022-23 academic year. This fall she was awarded several endowed scholarships to ease her financial burden as she completes her degree. 

Whether through scholarships, emergency aid or support for their schools and teams, students like Logan benefitted in many ways from donors’ generosity in 2023. Gifts to the Pacific Fund and the Pacific Food Pantry were particularly impactful. During the fall semester, dozens of students received assistance with housing, medical expenses and other basic needs. Demand for the Food Pantry has increased nearly 140% since 2019. 

“Pacific students have so many different needs. Some need help paying tuition, while others are struggling to put food on the table,” said Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president for development and alumni relations.  

“Our alumni and friends have been incredible, supporting all facets of the student experience in creative and thoughtful ways. I am inspired by their genuine care and concern for our students, and I am truly grateful to those who ended 2023 with a gift. Because of their generosity, I am excited and energized for the year ahead.”

For Logan, gifts to Pacific will pay dividends not only for her, but also for the young people who will one day fill her classroom. 

“I have always had an affinity for learning, so I hope to focus my career on inspiring students to love learning as well,” Logan said. “Not every student who enters my classroom will have the same circumstances or life experiences, but my goal is for every student to leave feeling successful and motivated to learn.” 

To support students like Machelle all year long, visit pacific.edu/MakeAGift or call 209.932.2202.