University of the Pacific is working to make higher education more accessible to veterans by providing affordable on-campus housing for student veterans in historic Manor Hall on the Stockton Campus.

The university is nearly halfway through a $4 million fundraising campaign to renovate the century-old building, with much of the support coming from veterans and their family members.

Pacific announced plans for veterans’ housing earlier this year after receiving a $1 million lead gift from local philanthropists John and June Rogers. John Rogers is a retired Air Force colonel who served 26 years as a pilot. Their daughter, Janet Rogers, serves on the University Board of Regents. 

Former regent and retired Air Force Captain Gary Mitchell has since donated $100,000 for the renovation to honor his father, the late Edward J. "Mitch" Mitchell.

“This is the least we can do to honor him and thank him for his service,” Mitchell said. “I am glad to be able to not only recognize and honor his service, but to provide a space to honor future military veterans.”

Edward Mitchell joined the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California in 1950 to prepare for the invasion of Inchon, Korea. His photograph was featured in Life magazine, and he was the first living veteran featured on a United States postage stamp. 

Retired U.S. Air Force LTC Theodore Lassagne has donated a challenge gift up to $100,000. Lassange’s late wife Janice (Comstock) was an alumnus and former president of the Alumni Association. His daughter Michelle Buscho ’84 also attended Pacific.
 
An additional $500,000 gift was given anonymously to support the project.

Army Sgt. Zak Baker ’25, a second-year student at Pacific, said finding affordable housing can often be a barrier for student veterans. 
 
“Many veterans transition out of the military without ever having dealt with the civilian housing market, and they are often surprised at the difficulty they face in finding safe, secure and most importantly affordable housing,” Baker said.

Manor Hall is located on Pacific Avenue across from the main part of campus near Pacific’s newly renovated Military and Veterans Student Center. The former residence hall has been vacant since 2014 and will undergo extensive renovations when the project is fully funded.

The university has increased veteran scholarships to enroll more student veterans. Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, which was expanded in 2021, all financial aid the university provides is fully matched by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

To support student veterans and unlock additional funds, contact Georgette Hunefeld at ghunefeld@pacific.edu or call 209.946.7375.