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Powell Scholars program positions students for success

Emma Garber '25, left.
When Emma Garber 鈥25 first fell in love with 色虎视频, she initially thought the cost was out of her reach. Four years later, she has graduated with a degree in psychology, a minor in history and presented her own research as a Powell Scholar.
Funded by a gift from the late Bob and Jeannette Powell, former regents at Pacific, the Powell Scholars Program provides select high-achieving students with scholarships, study abroad opportunities, funding for research and creative projects, and dedicated faculty and cohort advising.
"The scholarship opened up a gateway to connect with other intellectually involved people who are excited to learn things,鈥 Garber said. 鈥淧owell also opens the opportunity to be really involved in campus. It is nice people recognize the title, but it's the skills that you get from being a part of the program that let you live up to that reputation.鈥
This fall, 14 students will join the Powell Scholars program and continue to carry on the legacy.
The students were selected in March after participating in on-campus interviews with the Powell Scholars selection committee. The selection process includes a personal interview that evaluates candidates on their potential for academic and leadership growth, interest in international experiences, research and creative projects, and their capacity to positively impact the world.
Callison Hall functions as the central hub for the Powell Scholars' academic, creative and leadership pursuits. Students take part in field trips to premier arts events and invite distinguished speakers, artists, scholars and entrepreneurs to the university. The building also offers a dedicated space for studying, seminars, and collaborative thinking鈥攑roviding a space for teamwork and project development.
Beyond the physical space, the program also fosters strong faculty-student connections and a supportive academic community.
鈥淭here鈥檚 always someone to have your back,鈥 said Powell Scholar Devin Thompson 鈥25, who graduated with a degree in psychology in spring. 鈥淭here are so many supportive advisors and directors of the Powell Scholars Program. Dr. Courtney Lehman, Dr. Jeffrey Hole and Dr. Mahala, they've all been wonderful and create such a strong support system. I always know I have people I can rely on, whether in my personal life or academic life. It鈥檚 been a strong support system, and I don't know where I'd be without Powell.鈥
As part of the program, students must present, publish, or perform an original scholarly or creative project, connect to local, national, and international communities through volunteerism and show leadership in an organization, research, or artistic endeavor.
鈥淚 have been continually impressed by the talent, initiative and service of the students in this program,鈥 said Director of the Powell Scholars Program Macelle Mahala. 鈥淧owell Scholars are driven to make an impact on the world and to make the most of their college education.
鈥淔rom working on cutting edge research in the biochemistry labs, to creating impactful short films and musical compositions, to teaching the children of migrant farm workers, these students give their all to their studies, to Pacific, and to our local community. It is a pleasure and honor to serve such an impressive and inspiring group of students.鈥
The first-year cohort of Powell Scholars for 2025-26 are:
Sophia Canobbio 鈥29, Health and Exercise Science
Macy Coad 鈥29, Health and Exercise Science
Isabella Ferrari 鈥29, International Relations
Makayla Ghoalr 鈥29, Political Science
Keira Harris 鈥29, History
Aarohi Kale 鈥29, Health and Exercise Science
Casey Lowenborg 鈥29, Civil Engineering
Eliana Makhoul 鈥29, Biological Sciences
Taylor Matthews 鈥29, Civil Engineering
Christian Nunn 鈥29, Health and Exercise Science
Simran Saini 鈥29, Data Science
Paul Schacht 鈥29, Mechanical Engineering
Sara Wolfe 鈥29, Music Performance
Brinda Venkat 鈥28, Bioengineering
Learn how to prepare for the Powell Scholars application.
The Powell Scholars 25th reunion will be taking place at Homecoming 2025.
To learn more about supporting Pacific students through scholarships, contact Scott Biedermann at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.