When fourth-year student Dev Desai ’25 suffered a serious injury that required surgery, facing unexpected medical expenses was extremely challenging.

Desai received support through the Pacific Student Emergency Fund, which assists students facing unforeseen financial hardships.

“The emergency fund helped relieve that financial burden,” he said. “I’m very grateful to Pacific for stepping in when I needed it most. The support I received made it possible for me to stay enrolled and focus on my recovery and academics without the stress of overwhelming medical costs.”

In this season of giving, one generous donor is challenging the University of the Pacific community to rally behind the emergency fund, by matching all gifts to the fund up to $15,000 dollar-for-dollar through Dec. 31.

“Our students have a generous community of alumni and friends behind them, whose support impacts every aspect of their Pacific experience,” said Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20. “The holidays are a celebratory time, but they usually come with extra financial demands as well. This is a perfect opportunity to think of our students and to contribute something to help them stay on track.”

Last year, the Pacific Student Emergency Fund provided nearly $47,000 to more than 150 students. Along with medical expenses like Desai’s, students received support for car repairs, emergency travel and temporary housing.

“The emergency fund allows us to be nimble and quickly help students in need,” said Dean of Students Anne Schrumpf ’09, ’11. “These awards often are small but have a huge impact on student success and retention.

“Students face many challenges we can’t solve quickly or easily, but thanks our donors, hardships that might otherwise derail a student’s progress become much more manageable and possible to overcome because of this fund.”

Other ways to support students this holiday season include scholarships, academic programs, leadership and professional development opportunities, and athletics.

“To our alumni and friends who have already given this year, thank you,” Biedermann said. “For those still considering a gift, or who might give again, know that your support will make a difference—it could be just the encouragement a student needs to keep moving forward.”

Make an Immediate Impact

Gifts can be made online, by check or via stock transfer. Many employers match their employees’ and retirees’ charitable donations, which generally can be confirmed through Human Resources.

Make a year-end gift to help Pacific students start strong in 2026.