The Beginnings of a "Bold Adventure"
African American student presumably involved in 1969 protest. Retrieved from Gilberston's Pacific on the Rise.
March 26, 1969- The day everything changed.
University of the Pacific is nestled in Stockton as California's oldest university. It was a predominantly white university, despite the city's diverse population (about 40% were people of color). According to Gillbertson, this was the motivation behind a group of students, led by John Stanton ('71) and Victor Ornelas ('71) to protest at Burn's tower. The students demanded a program that would allow low-income students of color the opportunity to study at UOP. The program would have to provide full scholarships for 250 aspiring students and override any admission requirements. The president at the time, Robert E. Burns, responded immediately, introducing a solution the very next day.
However, the solution wasn't drafted overnight. A year before the protest arose, the Academic Council had been doing fundraisers and was working on a project with similar goals as the ones demanded by the students. Jack Bevan, Vice President of the Academic Council, supported the program whole-heartedly and aided Burns in the process of introducing the long awaited scholarship program. After negotiating with the group of students privately, both parties came to an agreement on what needed to be done.
Burn's called it a "bold adventure", asserting positivity in times of uncertainty. The program would aid "200 culturally disadvantaged students" from Stockton, providing a full-ride scholarship and additional tutoring to the students admitted into the program.
The Community Involvement Program was born that day.
After CIP's Birth: the 70s
However, "the bold adventure" President Burns promised wasn't as adventurous for the students. In an interview with Bob Manning, a student from the very first CIP class of '69, reveals the struggles and perils students experienced. Manning recalls a sense of alienation and displacement amongst his UOP peers. The promising integration between CIP and the rest of the student body was merely ideal. In reality many students faced discrimination from both students and staff. Their intellectuality was doubted by professors, and CIP wasn't quick to provide tutoring aid for those struggling. Manning states that a factor that would've made the program feel more welcoming was building a community between the program and the rest of UOP.
In the later years, specifically the 70s, the CIP program's very first class successfully graduated, proving the skeptics wrong. The 70s proved to be a challenge between the program and the McCaffrey administration. There's several instances where the problem of money was mentioned, blaming the program for an increase in tuition and expenses. At one point in January of 1978, CIP students rallied in response to the risk of the program closing for the spring, the effort was named "Save CIP". McCaffrey was quick to dissipate fears, however, he confirmed a financial struggle. At the time every tuition paying student contributed $184 for CIP scholarships. Clearly, the CIP program wasn't shut down but there was a call for better communication between the administrations.
CIP students rallying against the possible closure of the CIP program in Spring of 1978. Retrieved from The Pacifican
The 80s: Struggles and Achievements
Stockton campus during the 80s. Retrieved from Holt Atherton Special Archives
The 80s decade was a rollercoaster for the CIP program. During this decade, the program cultivated many high achieving students that would fill CIP with pride. This decade was also a time of conflict amongst the program and the UOP administration. Christopher Lozano '84 remembers his time as a CIP alum in the 80s with fondness. The community within the program has significantly grown since its establishment, providing a greater network of support for its students. Lozano doesn't recall any conflicts or bitter experiences during his time, attesting to the progress the program has made thus far in this decade.
The students in the program were receiving a better campus experience, yet there were still conflicts to resolve. Similarly to the 70s, the matter of funds and economy played a role in the differences between CIP and UOP. The conflict started around in the fall of 1983, when student government, ASUOP, wanted to charge CIP students the standard activity fee of $75 (around $227 today). Naturally this offended students and the program, whose policy explicitly stated that student were exempt of all fees. After much heated debate, the issue was passed on to an Ad Hoc Committee that determined the fee to be waived. Most importantly, this issue brought forth the initiative to have constitutional commitment between CIP and UOP administration about fees and funding.
This was also a time of loss for the CIP program. A bench at the Stockton UOP campus commemorates a student who gave it their all for their community, after his tragic death. Rene Garcia was a student of the CIP program and member of the Kappa Lambda greek life organization. He was known for his involvement and dedication to community service. According to The Pacifican, he passed away in his apartment at the age of 24. The causes of his death are unknown. Today his memory is frozen in time, a reminder of the solidarity and unity within CIP.
The 90s: Start of a New Era
The CIP program went through many changes during this time, most of them for the better. During this time CIP was gaining more recognition for their commitment to the community and they celebrated their 25th anniversary with alumni. In the Spring of '93, CIP became part of the Edison High School Advancement program, tutoring high school students and empowering them to pursue a higher education. One of the pillars of the program is their dedication to give back to the community of Stockton, as a form of gratitude for all the lessons and experiences. The other major event is the silver anniversary of the program, proof of its long lasting impact with 1,500 successful graduates. At the time the largest enrolled class was around 170 students total, a record for the 25 years of the program. Many comment that the main benefit of the program is the diversity it offers to the campus and the cultural awareness it provides to other students.
Juan Aguirre '99 mentions the great experience he had during his time at Pacific. As an engineering student, he found a supportive community with CIP and was grateful for the academic experience and tutoring the program offered. Similarly, Maria Cervantes-Aguirre '99 highlights the sense of community within the program. She mentions that her favorite aspect was the community service since it allowed her to give back to her community. However, Maria mentions that she felt disconnected from students outside CIP on campus. Of course this varies amongst individuals but it seems some things remain the same whether it's '69 or the '99. Regardless of the lack of student bonding, both alumni stated CIP was integral to their career and life journey.
UOP tutors Irma Garcia and Karla Corral with Edison student. Retrieved from The Pacifican.
CIP cohort 2023 at their summer retreat with retreat leaders in background. Retrieved from CIP director.
CIP in the 2000s til Present Day
The Community Involvement program has come a long way from its humble beginnings. In the 2009, the program gains enough recognition from the UOP administration to get a full time director. Beforehand, CIP had to share directors with other programs on campus. CIP also prepared it self for its 40th anniversary, honoring its commitment to its alumni, students and the Stockton community. In 2010, The Pacifican recognizes Jose Hernandez and his impact as the first mirgrant worker to become an astrount. Hernandez was a CIP alumni, demonstrating the impact the program can have.
Irene Hernandez '18, discusses her amazing experience as a CIP alumni. She recalls the positive moments she had as a CIP student and demonstrates her gratitude for the support system and family bond she created in the program.
In 2023, the CIP program finally reached its initial goal enrollment, with more than 200 students in program. The program continues serving the Stockton community through the CHASE and LVL-UP programs. These programs are focused towards elementary and high school students, mentoring Stockton's youth. CIP is historically the longest withstanding program in UOP. This is attributed to its family-like culture and dedication to its students' success on a personal level.
Community Involvement Program- continuing to impact students' lives.
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