Pacific in the Press | Feb. 4, 2020

Quote of the Week

“The historical answer is that corporate boards are like your tonsils — something in your body that once served a purpose during human evolution, but no longer does.”

— Franklin A. Gevurtz, The Washington Post, Jan. 31, 2020

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

“Why do corporations have boards of directors anyway?,” The Washington Post, Jan. 31, 2020: McGeorge’s Franklin A. Gevurtz authored an opinion piece comparing corporate boards to tonsils: “The historical answer is that corporate boards are like your tonsils — something in your body that once served a purpose during human evolution, but no longer does. … Corporations have boards out of tradition commonly codified in the laws governing corporations, and, even without that, because people assume that if it is a corporation, it ought to have a board.” The piece also makes the point that just because Hunter Biden was on a board in an industry for which he had little knowledge doesn’t necessarily mean there was something “nefarious afoot.”

“Due To New California Law, Uber Allows Some Drivers To Set Their Own Rates,” Capital Public Radio News via Nevada Public Radio, Jan. 28, 2020: McGeorge’s Francis J. Mootz III was quoted in this story about Uber drivers being able to set their own rates in California. It comes in the wake of a state law that requires more companies to shift their contract workers to employee status. Mootz told the NPR station that Uber’s new pricing feature may not be enough in the eyes of lawmakers. “Two or three years ago, if Uber and Lyft and other ride-share companies had really tried to restructure in a way to give workers true independence, true entrepreneurial opportunities, it might’ve been different,” Mootz told the outlet. The story was aired on dozens of NPR-affiliate radio stations across the country.

“Meet the President,” The Pacifican, Jan. 30, 2020: President-Designate Chris Callahan was the subject of this front-page Q&A. The questions covered Callahan’s first impressions of the Stockton Campus, Pacific’s challenges, the trait he most values in places of higher education, personal motto and others. The story jumps from the front page to the entire Page 3, which means The Pacifican devoted prime newspaper real estate and lots of it. The Pacifican used its Facebook account to share the story.

“‘Stockton, you are amazing’: Video for 2019 Stockton Song Contest winner ‘Made Me’ premieres,” The Record, Jan. 30, 2020: Alumnus Darien Fields was featured in this story about Visit Stockton’s 2019 Stockton Song Contest, “Made Me,” which he won. “Fields was born and raised in Stockton and graduated from St. Mary’s High School and University of the Pacific with a degree in business entrepreneurship,” reads a portion of the story. “His interest in music started at an early age and in 2016, the then-21-year-old moved to Music City — Nashville, Tennessee — to hone his skills, write songs and connect with the music industry. After close to a year, Fields returned to Stockton and is a full-time musician.” The Conservatory’s Pac Ave Records recorded Fields’ CD, “Feel Good,” several years ago.

“Laura Schmidt Appointed Assistant City Manager Of Santa Cruz,” Patch.com, Jan. 31, 2020: Pacific alumna Laura Schmidt was named assistant city manager for Santa Cruz. “Laura has done an exceptional job serving as the interim Assistant City Manager these past months,” City Manager Martin Bernal said of Schmidt. “She brings to this team an extensive background and experience in public and private sector strategy, operations, organizational development and management of multi-million dollar projects. Laura’s skills and abilities are a valuable asset to this organization and her serving as our city’s next assistant city manager is truly a benefit to both this administration and community.” Schmidt joins a growing list of Pacific and McGeorge alumni experiencing success working for government agencies.

‘“I’m eternally grateful’ | San Francisco Giants minor leaguer remembers John Altobelli, who died in helicopter crash,” ABC 10, Jan. 28, 2020: Alumnus Gio Brusa and Pacific baseball head coach Chris Rodriguez were interviewed at Klein Family Field on the Stockton Campus about the death of John “Alto” Altobelli, the baseball coach killed in the same helicopter crash as retired NBA star Kobe Bryant and others. “(He) just allowed you to be yourself, and for me, that kind of set my summer off on the right foot,” Brusa, who played for Altobelli in a summer league, told ABC 10. “Like, helped me be more confident and everything else, and (I) wound up having one of the best summers ever.” Coach Rodriguez, who coached against Altobelli, added, “The biggest thing that stands out for me for him is the connection that he had with his team. The way that the players responded to him, the way that they played, the way that they carried themselves — just what I would deem as the clubhouse atmosphere.”

“Pacific pulls away from LMU, 62-50,” The Record, Jan. 31, 2020: Men’s basketball head coach Damon Stoudamire was quoted in this story on the victory over Loyola Marymount. It was the first game since retired NBA star Kobe Bryant and others were killed in a helicopter crash. The game started with an 8-second violation to signify the number Bryant wore when he first entered the NBA. “I respect everything he did for the game of basketball,” Stoudamire told The Record. “I respect everything he was doing in life today. He deserved that moment. … For these players it definitely means a lot. Kobe and LeBron (James), they’re like the Michael Jordan of that generation. They were taken aback. So we paid our respects. That’s what he did for the game. He deserved that much.”

“Bench players lead Pacific past San Diego,” The Record, Feb. 2, 2020: Men’s basketball head coach Damon Stoudamire and several student-athletes were quoted in this story showing that victory can come from hard work and persistence. “Happy to get the win. It was great. You know, it wasn’t pretty, but we did what we had to do,” Stoudamire told The Record. “I’m proud of the fellas. … I thought that our second unit came in and gave us a big lift. It was great to see them come in. Broc (Finstuen), Jahbril (Price-Noel) and then Justin (Moore) also, so they definitely gave us a boost.” Here’s another version of the story: “Toreros offensive woes continue: USD starts game 0 for 10 from the field, loses at Pacific,” The San Diego Union-Tribune, Feb. 2, 2020.