As Phase I enters into final stages of completion, the construction project will soon move to Phase II which will include the Multi-faith Prayer and Meditation space.

In preparation, the ablution station located on the southeast area of the 2nd floor is already completed!

Now more than ever, we ask for your support to complete this dedicated space in the Stockton Campus Library as we prepare for the library dedication on March 19th.”

Every gift counts! Thank you

"I believe it’s important and necessary to have prayer space in the library. With this intentional area, I can easily visit the library between my studying and will not have to go home, back and forth, for praying."

 

- Rahila Shah '2021

"Interfaith spaces are visible symbols of an institution’s commitment to welcoming religious diversity and acceptance. They bring us together, as students, and allow for a peaceful time to gather and reflect, both individually and with our like-minded peers. Not only will this space provide us the chance to mentally disconnect from our books, it will also provide opportunities for all students to interact with our peers of different cultures and beliefs, aiding in the growth of an accepting and respecting interfaith community of students. In times of academic stress and worry, such spaces that allow for prayer and meditation provide will provide us the perfect environment in which to regain focus and mental clarity."

 

- Ash Rutherford '2020

"There are times when you may find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of work before you. Sometimes, the amount may be equivalent to a mountain, in which you can’t even begin to fathom where the peak may be. Other times, it may be as if it were one massive boulder, and you just don’t seem to have the energy at the moment to begin to think of ways to move it.

 

As a person of faith, whenever I find myself in these situations, I attempt to step back and lift up my physically/mentally drained spirit in prayer, in order to prepare myself for the work ahead. It helps to restore my self-confidence and strength, to provide me with the reassurance that I CAN complete my work, that I CAN do it. It’s also a great catharsis for me, being that I don’t like to hold my emotions and stresses in and knowing that when I pray, someone’s on the other end and listening.

 

As a student, I’ve often found myself working and studying in the Library. I’ve frequently encountered those moments of facing mountains and boulders I’ve described previously; I would try to take walks in the Library in order to calm and center myself. However, the Library isn’t the optimal place for a casual stroll and I never want to be too far from my things. I would also try to sit and center myself through prayer/meditation right where I’m studying. However, the ambient noise keeps me from truly reaching a state in which I can release some of my stress.

This is where I truly believe a prayer/meditation space in the Library can serve the needs of students like myself. A designated space in which I, along with other students, can find the quiet and stillness my mind and soul need would greatly enhance the Library’s already-immense value for students as a one-stop destination for all things studying." 

 

-- Ryland Fernandez '20

In a letter to the campus community, President Eibeck offered the following statement regarding the recent tragedy in New Zealand,

"The fatal shooting of 50 people and wounding of dozens more at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, is an upsetting and painful reminder of the senseless destruction that can occur when people choose hate over acceptance. As I process the tremendous loss of life and well-being caused by this tragedy, my heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones.

 

Pacific stands firmly in support of our Muslim students, faculty and staff and condemns all acts of violence that target Muslims and other members of faith. Pacific is a vibrant educational environment where we can learn from each other and celebrate our differences. Our diversity makes our campus and our community stronger."

University Librarian Mary Somerville was moved by the President's message and offered the following response,

 

Hi Pam,

 

"Many thanks for a strong and persistent message: Pacific is a vibrant educational environment where we can learn from each other and celebrate our differences. Our diversity makes our campus and our community stronger.

 

In that spirit, the renovated William Knox Holt Memorial Library will include a Multi-Faith Meditation and Prayer Area, including an ablution station. We collectively believe that this sacred space signals our campus and community commitment to diversity of expression and variation in belief. Together, we are stronger.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mary"