Colin Schneider ’25
Major: Engineering Management
Hometown: Stockton, California
Extracurriculars: Pacific ASCE Chapter, Pacific Project Management 

As he walks around the construction site, Colin Schneider ’25 occasionally stops to snap a photo on his phone. He examines each storm drain to make sure it’s free of debris. Then, he continues his route.  

The engineering management graduate has a rare opportunity: He’s part of the team building the new Southwest Hall on University of the Pacific’s Stockton Campus. It’s a complex that will soon house nearly 400 students.  

For Colin, it’s not just a project at his alma mater. It’s a continuation of his family legacy at Pacific. His story is also a great example of the opportunities available to Pacific students.  

Intergenerational Pacific Tigers

Colin’s story at Pacific began when his parents were Tigers in the 90s.  

“Back in the day, they were civil engineering students here. They met here and actually got married at the chapel on campus,” he says.  

Though his parents, Colin got acquainted with construction work early in life. His dad worked in engineering design, which really helped him understand what the field was. He turned that interest into field work in high school.  

“Over the summers, I worked on survey crews to go out and stake,” he says. “And I worked for a construction company in Elk Grove right before I came to Pacific. I really fell in love with the engineering management side of it.” 

When it came time for college, Colin was drawn to Pacific’s engineering management major and its small class sizes. What sealed the deal was the program’s focus on design alongside construction management. 

“Just get out there.”

Colin describes his ethos as, “Just get out there,” which he put into practice at Pacific. He stayed busy with summer internships, campus jobs and student clubs. His experience is a good example for other engineering students who are looking to build experience before they step into the working world full-time.  

He’s worked at the Fletcher Jones Foundation Makerspace since it opened in 2024 and even helped design the layout for the woodshop. Student workers like him are the backbone of the center. They get to apply their knowledge in a hands-on setting and help other students understand and use the tools available to them. 

“I’ve enjoyed helping students fulfill their ideas, like getting them into 3D modeling and then 3D printing it for their senior project. They just come in and say, ‘Hey, I have this idea. I want to build this.’ We’re there to help them,” he says.  

Over the summers, Colin interned in Sacramento to help build a 16-story, $3.7 billion  health care building, the California Tower. He originally got the internship himself, but it later turned into his Cooperative Education experience, a required, paid internship for engineering students.  Four years in, he’s seen it go from a pile of dirt to an entire structure.  

Outside of paid work, Colin also got involved with Pacific’s chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Each year, the chapter takes part in the ASCE Mid-Pacific Student Symposium. The event challenges participants to tackle several challenges. Students put their creativity and problem-solving skills into action.  

“The past two years, I’ve been the captain of the steel bridge team. Actually getting to build and design a mini bridge to hold weight has been really interesting,” he said. 

With such a busy schedule, Colin gives a lot of credit to his advisors, Professors Abel Fernandez and Medhi Khazaeli. With small class sizes, professors like his are able to spend more quality time with students.  

“They both helped me through my journey. Whether it was picking classes or asking them, ‘Hey, I have this problem,’ or even going to them for personal things. I have a strong personal connection with them,” he says.  

A new Southwest Hall for the Stockton Campus

Southwest Hall stood on campus for just over a century before the current rebuild. The project strives to maintain Pacific’s distinctive, red brick feel, preserving architectural details from the original 1924 building. But students who live there will experience modern benefits in an energy-efficient residence hall.  

Among his other jobs, Colin also works for Stockton-based Siegfried Engineering. It’s responsible for the civil engineering and survey engineering at the site, which is why he visits the construction site every Friday.  

“My job is to do something called a SWPPP report, a Solid Waste Protection Prevention Plan. Basically, I do weekly inspections. I make sure no dust, dirt or anything gets in the storm drains. They don’t want anything going in there, because that directly feeds into the Delta. I’m here to monitor that, take photos and write reports,” he says. 

Colin himself never lived in the prior Southwest Hall, but he knows people who did.  

“So, hearing their stories and getting to see the new rendering, it makes me happy,” he says. 

A new chapter at Pacific

Although he just graduated, Colin’s not going anywhere just yet. He’s going directly into Pacific’s Master of Science in engineering. After that, he wants to work for a construction management company and, eventually, start his own.  

For other students who want to follow in his steps, Colin has a simple piece of advice. It’s the same one that led him to work so many different jobs on and off campus: “Get out there.” 

“If you’re interested in the work, be interested in the work. It’s not just about your grades. Be curious, ask a lot of questions. Go to career fairs and find internships. Talk to your professors. They have lots of advice and, possibly, connections in the field that you want to get into,” he says. 

Name: Maja Dulic ’27 
Majors: Applied economics and finance 
Hometown: Kecskemét, Hungary 
Student-Athlete: Water polo 

Maja Dulic, an international student at Pacific, sharpened her business skills by tackling real-world challenges during her summer internship helping run a program and event center in her hometown in Hungary. A double major in applied economics and finance, Maja chose Pacific for its close-knit classes and rigorous academics that encourage critical thinking. 

With the goal of interning near her hometown, Maja worked with her faculty advisers to secure funding through Pacific’s Nathan Scholars program, which provides economics majors and minors the opportunity to earn academic credit and a stipend while gaining first-hand experience in professional settings. Thanks to the program, Maja worked in a financial and operational role at Tanyacsárda Ltd., a restaurant and program center nestled in the countryside just outside her hometown. 

“I wanted to find something close to home so I could stay near my family. I searched in my local neighborhood and came across Tanyacsárda Ltd,” Maja said. “They were really interested and excited about the opportunity to have someone studying in the U.S. intern with them.” 

An internship with range and responsibility 

Maja says the program center offered her a wide range of responsibilities across departments and gave her a holistic view of operations. She managed the company’s online presence and ensured that their website and social media platforms were running smoothly. Maja also supported the finance team, where she was able to apply the skills she gained as an economics and finance major. 

“I assisted with financial tasks and got a first-hand look at the company’s accounting systems,” Maja said. “It was really insightful to compare those processes to what I had learned in school, and I gained a much deeper understanding of financial operations in a real-world context.” 

Maja says working with the restaurant’s economic and financial director was one of her internship highlights. She collaborated with him to analyze data and apply it to strategic decisions that boosted revenue and efficiency. Drawing on her economics education, Maja applied data-driven thinking by analyzing situations, adapting in real time, and transforming theory into action.  

She gained a behind-the-scenes view of daily operations through handling phone calls, responding to customer questions, and drafting proposals for group bookings and events.  

In addition to gaining valuable business operations experience, Maja also welcomed the chance to meet customers and practice her English with visiting tourists. 

“Every day was a learning opportunity,” she said. “Having multiple roles at this job has helped me discover so much about patience and practice. It takes a lot of teamwork and communication.” 

From classroom theory to career-ready confidence 

Before exercising her skills in her internship, Maja gained the practical knowledge she needed for the internship through her coursework at Pacific. 

“The classes I took gave me practical knowledge I could apply during the internship, especially in understanding business operations, decision-making, and analyzing real-world situations,” Maja said. 

Pairing her applied economics major with a finance degree ended up being a powerful combination. Economics gave her the analytical tools to understand the ‘why’ behind market trends and policy decisions, while finance taught her how to apply that knowledge to make smart financial choices, manage risk, and create value in real-world business settings. 

“In economics, we’re always looking at real-world problems, understanding situations, analyzing causes, and searching for practical solutions. That mindset has taught me to think critically and make smarter decisions in everyday life,” Maja said. “By adding my finance studies to that foundation, I not only understand the bigger picture but also know how to apply it, whether it’s making sound investments, managing risk, or saving wisely for the future.” 

Advice for students 

“You learn how to act and to carry yourself in a workplace, which is so important before graduating and entering the real world,” Maja said. “Every connection you make and every challenge you face will help shape who you become.” 

Maja says the first step of finding a position towards your career goals can be the hardest, but it is one of the most important. She sees an internship not as a brief job but as a glimpse into your future career. 

Evangelina Sanchez ’28, newly elected president of the Associated Students of University of the Pacific (ASUOP), is eager to launch a year filled with energy, connection, and community. Her top goal: ensure every student feels they belong at Pacific and show that getting involved is the best way to make it happen. 

With more than 150 student clubs and organizations on campus, there’s no shortage of ways to explore your interests, build leadership skills and make new friends. From cultural groups and academic societies to service clubs and performance ensembles, Pacific offers something for everyone. 

Sanchez and ASUOP are planning a packed calendar of events this year, including off-campus adventures such as hikes, amusement park trips and beach days. And if you don’t find a club that fits what you’re looking for, you’ll have the support to start one of your own. 

Getting involved at Pacific means more than just joining a group. It’s how you shape your community, discover your passions and make the most of your time here. It’s the students of Pacific who enrich the community here. 

Learn more about Student Life opportunities on the website’s Student Activities and Programs page. 

Name: Ethan Fontes ’25 

Major: Graphic design 

Minor: Marketing 

Hometown: Tracy, California 

Extracurriculars: ASUOP 

When Ethan Fontes arrived at University of the Pacific, he had never used graphic design software. But with support from Pacific’s graphic design program and a lot of determination, he built a professional portfolio from the ground up. 

After applying to more than 100 internships, Ethan got the callback of a lifetime: DreamWorks. The animation studio saw potential in his work and was impressed by the way he talked through his creative decisions. Today, he’s putting those skills to use as a creative services marketing intern and helps promote some of the studio’s most popular animated shows. 

Working at DreamWorks

“I get to do both things I learned in college, graphic design and marketing, while getting to work on big name productions,” Fontes said. “Currently, I’m working on ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse,’ ‘Bad Guys 2’ and the ‘Jurassic World’ series.” 

At DreamWorks, Fontes wears a lot of hats. He mostly revises key art, which requires him to review posters, video thumbnails and other promotional graphics to ensure they are up to the company’s standards. He also works with trailer editors to ensure the right content has been chosen to convey the story. His other work includes writing internal emails and creating social media posts. Even with a full workload, Fontes says the experience has been pretty straightforward.  
 
“Working at ASUOP was a very fast-paced job. I thought working at DreamWorks was also going to be the same,” Fontes said. “I definitely feel like I pushed myself hard in and out of class. It prepared me well because I feel it’s actually little bit slower here.” 

Learning how to design at Pacific 

At Pacific, Fontes put his efforts into more than just his classwork. He attended networking events on and off campus to build connections and said yes to as many projects as he could. While he did a lot on his own, his mentors also provided crucial guidance. 

Fontes said his coursework with art Professor Marie Lee and Professor Brett Deboer, who has since retired, helped him hone his skills in graphic design. Studying the basics such as typography and layouts was integral to his professional development. He noted that Lee’s branding class in particular prepared him to work with companies on product designs.  

“I feel like those classes helped strengthen me in the areas I needed,” he said. “Graphic design was something I liked to do on the side before I started school. Now it’s something that I’m passionate about doing and want to do as a profession.” 

Fontes, a marketing minor, said learning to receive criticism at Pacific was vital for succeeding in the professional world and that he values the ability to give constructive feedback. This skill is especially important in his current position at DreamWorks, he said, where he reviews a wide range of marketing materials. 

Taking the next step 

Fontes said his favorite part of the DreamWorks internship has been working on unreleased projects. He gets to watch things that haven’t been announced to the public yet. He said it’s that exclusivity that makes him want to continue working in entertainment.  

“I know I want to work in TV, music or sports. It would be really cool to work for Disney, stay with DreamWorks or work for a big label,” Fontes said. “There’s a lot of possibilities in bringing that mixture of marketing and design to any entertainment role.” 

Advice for future designers 

Since the industry is built on connections and relationships, Fontes recommends that future graphic design students do more outside of class than perfecting technical skills. Getting off campus, attending industry conferences and meeting new people is just as important as understanding design software, he said. Starting small and being active on campus is important to him, as well.  

“Small things add up to big things, and you might be noticed for a career path that you want to be in just because of a little thing you did on campus,” he said. “Those activities that you’re a part of carry over to personality traits that you can bring into interviews and in the workforce.”  

Felicity Andrews ’24  
Major: Graphic design 
Internship: Creative design intern, Walt Disney Company 
Hometown: Modesto, California 
Clubs/Activities: AIGA Student Group; Department of Art, Media, Performance and Design representative, Associated Students of University of the Pacific; Calliope Art & Literary Magazine; InterVarsity Christian Fellowship; TEDx UoPacific Marketing Team  

Felicity Andrews ’24 transferred to Pacific and found her creative home in Pacific’s graphic design program. With three internships under her belt already and a packed resume of campus involvement, Andrews is putting her skills to work as an intern at The Walt Disney Company where she contributes to global projects for the company. Andrews reflects on her Pacific experience, what led her to design and the advice she has for future creatives. 

Describe your internship and how your experiences at Pacific helped prepare you for this opportunity. 

I’m currently a creative design intern at The Walt Disney Company, supporting the Talent Acquisition Marketing team. Our team leads recruitment marketing efforts across Disney Enterprises, which means I have the exciting opportunity to contribute to projects spanning a wide range of Disney businesses—both domestically and internationally.  

Right now, I’m focused on supporting Disney Programs, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney on the Yard, a program for Historically Black College or University (HBCU) students. No two days are the same, which keeps things engaging. Depending on the needs of our partners, I’ve worked on everything from promotional merchandise and flyers to booth materials for conferences. Ultimately, our goal is to create compelling materials that inspire individuals to apply and be a part of the story at Disney.  

My experiences at Pacific did play a role in preparing me for this opportunity. The design program gave me my foundation in design principles and exposed me to a variety of mediums, which helped me become a well-rounded designer. Professors Lee and DeBoer were also instrumental in my growth, as they were the ones who helped shape me as a designer.  

Pacific’s program encouraged me to think critically, stay curious and take ownership of my growth as a designer, qualities that have been invaluable and will continue to shape my career.  

What made you choose Pacific?  

I chose Pacific because it offered the combination of being local and providing a good academic program in graphic design. Commuting from home was important when I transferred from Modesto Junior College. As I explored Pacific’s design program, I was drawn to the classes available and the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in two years, keeping me on track to graduate in four years.  

The beautiful campus and smaller student body also made it feel like a place where I could thrive, especially after coming from a small high school and spending my first two years of college online.  

Why did you choose your major?  

I chose graphic design because I’ve always been interested in the arts and creating. In junior high, I joined the yearbook team for my love of photography, but I stayed until my senior year of high school because I fell in love with design. Creating layouts and selecting typefaces quickly became my favorite part of the process. When I discovered I could turn that passion into a degree and a career, I knew it was the path I wanted to pursue and ran with it.  

Who has inspired you at Pacific?  

There are a handful of people who have impacted me at Pacific, but my friends in the design department have been a huge source of inspiration. Because the design department is a smaller program, I had the chance to work closely with my peers and professors DeBoer and Lee, receiving individual feedback and advice that helped me grow.  

One of my most impactful collaborations was helping to revive and co-lead the American Institute of Graphic Arts Student Group (AIGA), which the department supported, including funding our trip to the 2023 AIGA Design Conference in New York.  

The experiences I had with AIGA helped me feel more connected to the design community and shaped my passion for mentorship. I found myself guiding peers through portfolios, job applications and interviews. I realized how important it is to support new designers in today’s challenging industry.  

My time in the program also helped refine my design philosophy, which is centered on bringing joy to others through my work. That purpose will continue to guide me as I move forward in my career. 

What is your favorite memory about Pacific?  

There are so many treasured memories from my time at Pacific, it’s hard to pick just one! One of my favorites, though, is DeStress Fest and the late-night breakfast. In my final year at Pacific, I went with my friends, and it was such a fun way to unwind after the semester. We enjoyed the activities and staying up late eating breakfast together while reflecting on the fall semester which made for such a memorable time.  

What learning opportunities have you had outside the classroom?  

Before graduating from Pacific, I completed two design internships. At Blackwing, a pencil manufacturing company, I designed internal materials and at BGG Creative & BGG West, a creative agency, I worked on various client projects.  

Additionally, I worked as a graphic designer for ASUOP, where I designed flyers, social media content, stickers and even the postcard and blue Pacific posters now painted in the DeRosa University Center. These experiences gave me hands-on opportunities to apply what I was learning in the classroom in real-world settings.  

Right after graduating, I continued building on those experiences as a design intern at Gallo Winery, where I contributed to high-impact projects for major brands like La Marca, Barefoot and New Amsterdam.  

What advice would you give incoming graphic design students?  

Immerse yourself in the program and design community as much as you can. Take every opportunity to get involved: join AIGA, become a graphic designer for ASUOP, or contribute to Calliope. These experiences will connect you with a creative community and provide valuable insights for internships and job searches.  

Also, push yourself to go the extra mile on your design projects. Doing so will strengthen your portfolio and showcase your creativity. Always stay curious, embrace learning and strive for constant improvement; this tenacity will take you far.  

And most importantly, network. Networking may feel intimidating, but it’s incredibly important. Reach out to Pacific alumni on LinkedIn who studied graphic design or are in industries you’re interested in and learn about their journeys and what helped them succeed.  

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy college life! Spend time with friends, have fun and take breaks to recharge. It’s so important for staying inspired and avoiding burnout. 

Student projects are a great way to show off your skills and education to employers after graduation. Sometimes, they even snowball into something bigger.  

That’s exactly what Asher Bloom ’24, Achish Enriquez ’26, Peter Williams ’25 and Ben Shafer ’26 of Pacific’s media production program did, taking their project, “Rhythm,” from a short project into a full-length documentary.  

Now in post-production, it follows Sacramento-based drummer Floyd Kennedy as he teaches music at his church well into his retirement. 

The team says the support of their professors and the Department of Art, Media, Performance and Design made the documentary possible. The department played a pivotal role, funding a trip to the annual media festival South by Southwest. There, they met professionals whose advice and support convinced them to turn “Rhythm” into a documentary.  

Like many projects to come out of Pacific, the core of “Rhythm” starts with the connections students make with each other. 

Learning by doing 

In 2023, Enriquez, Bloom, Williams and several other Pacific students created the EXR Film Production Collective. It served as a way to expand their work portfolios and a chance to learn from each other.  

Their first project was the music short film “remember,” which won first place in the Community Filmmakers category at San Joaquin Delta College’s Digital Media Film Festival in 2024.  

“Rhythm,” started out in a similar vein, set to be just a few minutes long and part of Bloom’s senior project. He also had personal ties to its subject.  

Bloom had known about Kennedy since he was young when he took drum lessons with one of Kennedy’s former students. Years later, when Bloom was a student at Pacific, he started taking lessons with Kennedy directly and learned more about his life.  

“He’s had this amazing life of mentorship through teaching at Natomas High School in Sacramento, where he created a drum line from scratch and helped thousands of students throughout his 30 years there,” Bloom says.  

But the project isn’t just about Kennedy’s drumming or his students’ accomplishments. It’s also about how his efforts as an educator have built communities.  

“He is not only a teacher. He’s a mentor. He’s a father figure,” Enriquez says. “And that’s something that should be shared with everybody—shared with administrators, shared with teachers—to know they can make such a big impact on people’s lives.” 

That was the spark for inspiration, a desire to celebrate the legacy of educators and mentors like Kennedy. So, the team got to work on their short project.  

Turning “Rhythm” into a documentary 

In March 2024, Pacific’s media department sent 13 students to South by Southwest, the annual media festival in Austin, Texas. It’s a chance to screen the new media, network and to get advice on projects and careers.  

Among those students were Enriquez and Bloom, who brought a teaser trailer for “Rhythm.”  Their conversations with professionals convinced them it had bigger potential.  

“We were so inspired by all the films, all the creatives in the area and all the advice we were given about our project,” Enriquez says. “We decided to increase the length, drop it as a spec ad and create a story. That really meant it could impact so many lives.” 

The team kept filming Kennedy, even following him to the Gospel Music Workshop of America in Memphis, Tennessee. As the team worked on “Rhythm,” they put their education to use and built up their skills.  

Bloom, the director and producer, says his media production degree prepared him for the technical matters, but shooting the documentary has strengthened his soft skills.  

“One thing I didn’t know much about before starting the project was really how to interview people and how to structure a story in a way where it’s digestible and understandable,” he says.  

Enriquez, the producer, wore a lot of hats while handling on- and off-set logistics. The experience built up her leadership abilities, especially as she raised money for “Rhythm.” She says it’s also improved her skills at managing a team.  

The team didn’t do it alone, though. Bloom and Enriquez highlight mentorship at Pacific as an essential part of the process.  

Mentorship that matters 

The team says Pacific faculty have offered invaluable advice about the project, often giving viewpoints from other creative perspectives.  

“I’ve gotten some from my graphic design professor,” Enriquez says. “I’ve gotten some from my adviser, from Professor Joshua Salyers. It’s important to have support like that because it makes you feel like you’re really creating change.” 

On top of faculty mentorship, Enriquez also highlights the opportunities the department offers to its students. This year, she’ll be going to the Cannes Film Festival in France with the department.  

“Opportunities like that don’t come easily,” she says. “So, it’s really great that they give those opportunities to students because it’s really valuable in shaping who you are and what you want to be.” 

As for “Rhythm,” the team hopes to finish and release it by August of this year. They’re currently working on a crowdfunding campaign to secure funds for post-production costs and hope it’ll be part of the 2026 film festival circuit.  

At its core is a story they hope will touch educators everywhere, regardless of whether they’re still working or retired. 

“Floyd’s story is a lot more than just drumming or gospel drumming,” Bloom says. “His faith is at his core, but he’s been using it to impact literally thousands of students. That’s the story we’re trying to tell.” 

University of the Pacific emphasizes hands-on learning, so that you’ll enter the job market with career-ready skills. Sometimes those projects even lead to something bigger, like these Pacific media production students whose documentary “Rhythm” started as a senior project.  

Darcy Leutzinger brings over three decades of frontline experience in public safety to his role as director of the Master of Emergency Management Systems (MEMS) program at University of the Pacific. A former police lieutenant, Leutzinger spent much of his career coordinating emergency response efforts, building interagency strategies and leading teams through critical incidents. Now, he’s helping students do the same by preparing them to manage complex emergencies with foresight, clarity and confidence. 

“Emergency management isn’t just about responding to disasters. It’s about understanding systems, thinking critically and leading under pressure,” Leutzinger says. “That’s exactly what we’re teaching at Pacific.”  

Experience meets education 

Leutzinger’s law enforcement career shaped his understanding of what effective emergency management really demands: strategic thinking, communication and the ability to coordinate across organizations. At Pacific, he helped shape the MEMS curriculum with that in mind.  

Students gain both theoretical grounding and applied skills in areas such as hazard mitigation, public policy, crisis leadership and disaster science. The program is designed for professionals from a range of sectors—public safety, health care, infrastructure and beyond—who want to lead during times of disruption and uncertainty. 

“Our goal is to graduate professionals who are ready to lead,” says Leutzinger. “We’re building a new generation of emergency managers who can handle today’s complex challenges.”  

Preparing for what’s next 

The MEMS program emphasizes real-world applications. Students engage in systems analysis, leadership case studies, and scenario-based planning exercises that mirror the complexity of today’s emergencies. Whether they’re preparing for natural disasters, cybersecurity threats or large-scale public health events, graduates leave equipped to manage evolving risks and strengthen the resilience of their organizations and communities. 

For Leutzinger, the move into higher education is a continuation of public service. “This work is about more than earning a degree; it’s about preparing others to serve,” he says. “Every student who comes through the MEMS program will go on to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared for the future.” 

Darcy Leutzinger

Darcy Leutzinger is the director of the Master of Emergency Management Science program at University of the Pacific. With more than 35 years of experience in law enforcement, corporate security and emergency management, he brings real-world expertise to the classroom. He holds a PhD in Emergency and Protective Services and is a nationally recognized leader in active violence response and corporate security strategy.

Ady Moran ’28
Major: Psychology

Two weeks ago, I finished my first year of undergrad, and recently I’ve been reflecting on just how much I’ve grown—academically, personally and emotionally. Being a first-generation Latina college student, this journey came with its own set of challenges but also so many valuable lessons that I’m proud to carry with me. 

Here are my top takeaways from freshman year: 

Use your resources 

This year, I truly saw the value of leaning into the resources around me. I was fortunate to receive multiple scholarships thanks to Silicon Valley Community Foundation and Jobs for Youth. I used Pacific’s tutoring services, office hours and study spaces when I needed help. I even found a job thanks to networking and connections I made on campus. The support truly is there—you just have to ask. 

Don’t be afraid to say yes 

Coming into college, I was nervous about leaving home and starting a new chapter. But saying yes to many things changed everything. One of the best decisions I made this year was joining Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority, Inc. It became my second home and has given me lifelong friendships. Saying yes opened doors to experiences and memories I’ll cherish forever. 

Learning to handle stress 

Navigating college for the first time, by myself, was overwhelming, but I learned many ways on how to manage stress—from something as small as taking a snack break to as big as reaching out and having honest conversations when I was struggling. I’m grateful I learned how to take care of my mental and emotional well-being. 

Asking for help 

This is my biggest takeaway. I’ve always been someone who hesitates to ask for help, but this year taught me otherwise. Whether it was reaching out to friends, mentors, professors for academic support or my advisers—every time I asked for help, I received guidance that made all the difference. I didn’t do this alone and I’m beyond thankful for my community. 

This year has shaped me in ways I didn’t expect, and I’m excited (and ready!) for what’s ahead. Here’s to growth, resilience and Year 2!  

Julianna Meneses ’25 
Major: Bachelor of Arts in music, minor in ethnic studies 
Hometown: Moraga, California
Extracurriculars: Kilusan Pilipino, Sigma Alpha Iota 
Favorite off-campus places: Little Manila Center, Filipino American National Historical Society Museum, Sam’s Cafe, MonTea Boba 

In the opening moments of her original composition “Meditation on a Homecoming,” Julianna Meneses ’25 looks directly into the crowd and asks, “Do you want to go swimming in the river?” 

Sharply and quickly, she draws her bow across the double bass strings. Then, Meneses responds, “Mommy, I don’t know how to swim!” 

Heedless of this concern, she dives back into the performance. A video Meneses shot in the Philippines is projected across her face, instrument and the back wall. At one point, she puts down her double bass so she can dance.  

Meneses, who is working toward a BA in music with a minor in ethnic studies, played “Meditation on a Homecoming” along with another original piece for her senior recital in University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music.   

She wrote the piece after receiving Pacific’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship and spending two months in the Philippines, doing research, meeting scholars and producing a video of her experiences.  

“Studying at Pacific has been really good for my specific research interest, which is Tinggian music and dance in Abra, Philippines,” Meneses says. “What really helped me was the small class sizes, being able to talk with my professors one-on-one.” 

Meneses credits Professor Kumiko Uyeda with helping her grow ever since her first semester at Pacific. It was actually Uyeda’s class that convinced her to pursue the work she does now.  

Ethnomusicology

Meneses, who has been playing double bass since the sixth grade, says that researching the history and culture of music wasn’t originally her plan. She enrolled in Pacific as a music education major, intending to teach in the Oakland and Richmond area where she had cut her teeth in the Young People’s Symphony Orchestra.  

But there was another interest that also drew her to Pacific.  

“I was also very interested in the Filipino community here,” Meneses says. “I really wanted to become involved or at least be around those communities because I grew up in an area where there were not that many people that looked like me. Coming here made me feel at home and helped me establish my own identity.” 

During her first semester, Meneses took “Music of the World’s People” with Uyeda, where she learned that she could combine these interests through the field of ethnomusicology.  

“It made me realize, ‘oh, I can study indigenous Filipino music and it can be seen as a legitimate scholarly thing.’ After that, there was no going back,” Meneses says.  

Even after that class, Uyeda has helped guide Meneses as she grows as a researcher and person.  

To focus her studies on ethnomusicology, Meneses switched majors to a Bachelor of Arts in music because it provides a lot of flexibility with electives. She rounded out that education with a minor in ethnic studies. Another pathway you could choose is a Bachelor of Music in music history.  

Pacific’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Leading up to the summer of 2024, Meneses applied for Pacific’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship. The fellowship supports faculty-mentored student research by providing a stipend, housing allowance and funds for research supplies.  

With the funding in hand, Meneses set off for a busy two months in the Philippines. While there, she did archival research and even attended an international academic conference focused on traditional performing arts.  

Most of her trip, around five or six weeks, was spent in the province of Abra. There, she learned more about local musical traditions through interviews and hands-on musical practice. 

“I played the gongs with people,” Meneses says. “I learned about bamboo musical instruments and different singing traditions. The technique is called ‘participant observation.’ That was a big help to learning what I know now.” 

While she was travelling, she also filmed what she saw: chickens in a coop, trees blowing in the wind, flowing rivers and similar scenes from nature. Then, she edited them into a video that became the basis for her piece “Meditation on a Homecoming,” writing music that mimicked its sounds and integrated folk melodies. 

“I called it ‘Meditation on a Homecoming.’ Because I’ve never been to Abra before, but that is where my mother is from,” Meneses says. “So, it was a strange feeling of, ‘I’m from here because my ancestors are from here.’ But culturally, socially, I’m an outsider. It was this weird duality that I was experiencing that I wanted to express musically.” 

Turning an interest into research

If you have a passion you want to turn into a field of study, Meneses says the most important thing is to build your connections, whether that’s with professors, students with similar interests or local organizations.  

Professors can recommend classes or books, while local organizations host events where you can observe or participate. As you deepen your understanding, you’ll start to find areas where you can contribute yourself.  

“Get comfortable with introducing yourself,” she says. “Because you’ll eventually make lots of connections with people that are interested in the same thing as you.” 

This is why Meneses believes studying music at Pacific is so special. Not only does our smaller community make it easier to connect with people, but there are so many opportunities, organizations and student groups where you can join in.  

These relationships even helped Meneses turn bring “Meditation on a Homecoming” to life. Professor Kathryn Schulmeister taught her improvisation techniques for the piece and connected Meneses with another musician, Joanna Mattrey, to develop its narrative. 

As she nears graduation, Meneses plans to continue promoting indigenous performance.  

“I plan on joining Parangal Dance Company in San Francisco,” she says. “They focus on promoting and uplifting indigenous music and dance from the Philippines. They also perform some of the more Spanish-influenced dances as well as dances associated with national Filipino identity.” 

Her path to ethnomusicology hasn’t totally changed her original plans, though. Meneses still wants to give back to where she came from, working with Oakland and Richmond’s school districts.  

Ryan Liu ’07 
Company: Google 
Major: Electrical engineering and engineering management 
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii 
Extracurriculars: Bassoonist in the Conservatory of Music Concert Band, Xi Chi Sigma Asian interest social fraternity 

When Ryan Liu ’07 started his engineering journey, he didn’t see a single path; he saw possibility. 

Now a technical program manager at YouTube, Liu leads projects that shape how hundreds of millions of users experience gaming content on the platform. But long before he was developing cutting-edge features like interactive “gaming recaps” and “playables”—mini-games you can play directly in the YouTube app—he was a student at University of the Pacific, double majoring in electrical engineering and engineering management. 

“Pacific allowed me to become a well-rounded engineering professional,” Liu says, “It’s because of that foundation of liberal arts, coupled with the technical aspects, that I was able to go into the workforce and continue to improve myself.” 

What Liu does at YouTube 

Liu started working at YouTube in 2020 and now oversees a team focused on GTX—gaming, teens and extended reality. He collaborates with engineers, designers, product managers, researchers and data scientists. 

One of his team’s newest projects is “playables,” a feature that lets users jump into casual games without ever leaving the YouTube app. It’s part of YouTube’s effort to create a more interactive experience and a new kind of entertainment. 

“It’s the notion that you can, instead of watching a video on YouTube, play a game natively in the YouTube app,” Liu says.  

Gaining a broad-based perspective at Pacific 

Liu’s path to Big Tech wasn’t linear. His Pacific experience helped him explore both the technical and business sides of engineering. Through the School of Engineering and Computer Science’s CO-OP program, he worked at Calpine Energy as a plant engineer and completed a second internship in Japan at Daiwabo Polytec, a manufacturing company, where he helped develop advanced synthetic fibers. 

“Figuring out how to navigate that environment by living, working and adapting in another country was an important part of being able to shape my skills for the better,” Liu says 

He credits much of his growth to the close mentorship he received at Pacific—especially from his adviser, Professor Abel Fernandez, who taught project management. 

“I credit him for basically getting my first job out of Pacific because of his support and coaching.” 

Liu even recalls cracking open the project management textbook from Fernandez’s class long after graduating from Pacific. 

Building a career in tech 

After graduation, Liu spent 12 years working in consulting, mostly at the business management firm Accenture, helping clients manage large-scale engineering and business projects. But after welcoming his first daughter, he wanted to shift away from constant travel. That’s when he made the leap to Google. 

Google was an environment which, according to Liu, required the ability to learn and thrive in ambiguity by being adaptable, much like the experience he gained from his CO-OPs and multifaceted education.  

At Google, Liu says the most rewarding part is the scale. 

“As soon as you hit that launch button for what would appear as a minute feature change on an app, it’s something that impacts billions of users. To me that is not only exciting, but there are few places that offer that in the world.” 

Why a liberal arts foundation matters in tech 

In a fast-moving industry, Liu believes one thing is crucial: a solid foundation with coursework in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. He says the liberal arts education he received at Pacific, which taught him to think critically, communicate effectively and approach problems from multiple angles, has made the biggest difference in his career.  

“We’re in a world now where the pressure to specialize is so high,” Liu says.  

He compares it to San Francisco’s Millennium Tower, which has tilted over time due to foundational issues. 

“Students who jump into investing so much time and money to specialize in one thing without building that crucial liberal arts foundation are like the sinking tower,” Liu explained. “The short-term benefits are there, but the shortcuts will catch up to you.” 

That solid foundation is especially important now, as artificial intelligence transforms how engineers and creators work. 

Liu’s advice for students fearing AI 

Rather than fearing replacement by AI, Liu urges students to focus on deeply understanding their core engineering principles and viewing AI as a tool to enhance their work. 

“Know your tradecraft. You need to command an understanding of it,” Liu says. 

He says students with a broader educational background will have an edge when working with AI tools. He urges students to develop a deep understanding of fundamental concepts, such as comprehending code rather than just generating it. 

“The more knowledge you have, especially from a liberal arts standpoint, the better prompts you should be able to write,” Liu says. “The ability to interpret and find what’s useful for human use will help you because it’s a human element that AI won’t be able to replicate.” 

For students considering a future in tech, Liu’s advice is simple: Be curious. Embrace change. And don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and adapt.   

“Seek out opportunities to learn and grow, even if they take you outside your comfort zone,” Liu says. “And never underestimate the value of a well-rounded education.”