Pacific in the Press | April 23, 2019

Quote of the Week

"Through this direct, personal access, students, researchers and the public can better understand Muir and perhaps have a better feel for the significance of the land and all that it provides us."

— Mike Wurtz, Sierra Sun Times, April 15, 2019

Examples of how University of the Pacific was represented in the news media in recent days:

"University of the Pacific on John Muir: Timeless Champion of Nature," Sierra Sun Times (Mariposa), April 13, 2019: A commentary by history's Bill Swagerty was published by this Mariposa newspaper in connection with John Muir's descendants gifting ownership of the John Muir Papers to the university. "The Muir collections at University of the Pacific have played a key role in this maturation process within the academy, as well as in reaching a much broader audience," Swagerty wrote of the growing popularity of Muir since the papers arrived at Pacific in 1970. "Since Muir's death in 1914, more than 100 books on Muir have been published, some as overviews, others as very specialized aspects of Muir's life or his impact and contributions. ... Those who 'do Muir' seriously must find their way to Stockton if their work is to be original, comprehensive and well received."

"University of the Pacific on John Muir's Stockton Legacy," Sierra Sun Times, April 15, 2019: A commentary by the Holt-Atherton Special Collections' Mike Wurtz was reprinted. "Muir's work - which has already inspired generations of conservationists, environmentalists, policymakers and nature lovers - is more important today as the debate over climate change continues and as threats to public lands appear at every turn. At University of the Pacific, we are fortunate to house, and now own, Muir's work. In 1970, the product of Muir's "work" and "study" - boxes and boxes of written materials and sketches - came to Pacific to be curated in the library's archives. Since then, the collection has grown to include 7,000 correspondence, 100 journals and notebooks, 400 drawings, thousands of photographs, hundreds of book manuscripts and articles, and a 1,000-volume personal library. Students, researchers and the public experience Muir and become immersed in his works by visiting the Stockton campus or viewing the digitized material. In the past year alone, Muir-related items have been viewed online more than 22,000 times. Through this direct personal access, students, researchers and the public can better understand Muir and perhaps have a better feel for the significance of the land and all that it provides us."

"University of the Pacific in Stockton was ranked 4th among the top 5 colleges using electric vehicles," Capital Public Radio News (NPR, KXJZ), April 17, 2019: Pacific's Sustainability Director Jessica Bilecki was interviewed for this story about a national survey of colleges and universities that places Pacific at No. 4 for ownership of electric vehicles. She said the university is always looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint.

"A poignant and powerful paradox: Pacific Symphony Orchestra to debut world premiere of 'Bearable Pain, Unbearable Tenderness'," The Record, April 18, 2019: A performance by Pacific's Symphony Orchestra of a world premiere composition was featured in this story. Boston-based musician Jonathan Russell's 45-minute symphony for piano and orchestra, "Bearable Pain, Unbearable Tenderness," was performed in Faye Spanos Concert Hall. The piece was commissioned by conductor Nicolas Waldvogel. "He's busy on different projects, but he always wanted to write for a big orchestra," Waldvogel said of Russell. "It's a big piece in terms of length and colors. It's something a little bit ambitious. I told him, 'We'll play anything you throw at us.' ... "It's a great piece and a great way to finish the school year."

"Pacific grad gets first professional role as opera singer," The Record, April 20, 2019: Conservatory alumnus Edward Tavalin was featured in this story about his emerging opera career. "The poetry is rich and expressive, generally touching on topics of love or nature," Tavalin said of opera. "My favorite experiences are the ones in which I'm singing someone's cherished music, whether it's golden age musical theater for the 50-year reunion of UOP alumni, or the music of Gaetano Donizetti in a small town in Italy."

"Pacific baseball's Ryan Shreve throws no-hitter in 1-0 win over Santa Clara," The Record, April 15, 2019: Student-athlete Ryan Shreve pitched a no-hitter over the weekend. It is only the fourth no hitter in Pacific baseball history. He allowed just one base runner. He was named the WCC baseball player of the week.

"Pacific baseball's Ryan Garko discusses no hitters and coaching at the college level," The Record, April 18, 2019: Story and podcast featuring Pacific baseball coach Ryan Garko about being here, Ryan Shreve's no-hitter and his own professional baseball career. Positive comments about the no-hitter and coaching at collegiate level.

"Photographers can still be creative under deadline pressure," The Record, posted April 15, 2019: Fun column by Record photographer Cliff Oto on being at a Pacific Tigers volleyball match and not having to shoot it for work. He became anxious because it was the end of the second game and he did not have to leave as he would normally. The story is accompanied with a half dozen or so photos of Pacific volleyball action over the past few years.