Pacific Oaks College

Happy Global Day of Parents! 🌿💚

Did you know? In 2012, the U.N. General Assembly declared the first-ever Global Day of Parents. Today, we honor the caregivers, nurturers, advocates, and first teachers who shape the next generation.

At Pacific Oaks, we believe parents aren't just supporters of education—they're partners in it. Because you know your children better than anyone. You bring cultural knowledge, lived experience, and deep love that no curriculum can replicate.

Parenting is one of the most important, and most challenging, roles anyone can take on. And today, we celebrate every parent who shows up, loves fiercely, and refuses to give up. 💚🌿

"There were times I left class crying because I was challenged and growing." 💚🌿

That's how Marnnie Francisco describes her Pacific Oaks journey—and it's exactly what transformative education looks like. Marnnie earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Pacific Oaks in 2024. She now has 15+ years in early childhood education, has presented for the LA County Office of Education, worked as a Senior Recruiter at Child Care Careers, and now serves as Bilingual Child Development Faculty at Cerro Coso Community College.

At Pacific Oaks, growth isn't always comfortable. It challenges you. It pushes you. It asks you to question what you know and who you're becoming. And it surrounds you with faculty who genuinely care about your success not just academically, but as a person.

Today, Marnnie carries that purpose forward. We're honored to call her a Pacific Oaks alum. 💚

The caps said it all 🎓
Every design told a different story. Honoring family, celebrating perseverance, sharing future goals, and capturing the moments that made the journey worthwhile.

The Pacific Oaks College Class of 2026 showed up with creativity, personality, and plenty of inspiration at commencement this year. Swipe to see some standout graduation cap designs ✨

Today, we pause to honor Memorial Day. 🌿

We remember the U.S. military personnel who gave their lives in service to this country. We hold space for their families, their communities, and all who carry the weight of that loss.

At Pacific Oaks, we believe in honoring the complexity of service and sacrifice—and in working toward a future where peace, justice, and equity guide our path forward. 💚

This is what community leadership looks like. 💚🌿

After the Eaton Fire destroyed or damaged 34 childcare facilities in Pasadena and Altadena, a partnership between Pacific Oaks College, Save the Children, Mattel, and the Pasadena Community Foundation was formed to deliver nearly $2 million in relief to 43 childcare sites.

It wasn't just about funding. It was about bringing joy back to children who'd experienced months of loss and disruption. When World of Little Angels reopened, kids discovered an enormous red box filled with toys; it was a moment of hope in the middle of recovery.

Read the full story: https://www.pacificoaks.edu/voices/from-the-magazine/nonprofit-partnership-delivers-toys-to-child-care-center-after-eaton-fire/

At Pacific Oaks College, faculty don't just teach—they mentor, support, and walk alongside students through every challenge. 💚🌿

Our online Master of Social Work program was designed for first-generation and nontraditional students navigating demanding schedules, family responsibilities, and the realities of life outside the classroom. We know your path isn't linear—and that's exactly what makes you strong.

With flexible online learning, strengths-based support, and faculty who understand what it takes to balance it all, Pacific Oaks creates a space where you don't just survive graduate school—you thrive.

Read how our faculty show up for MSW students every step of the way.
🔗 https://www.pacificoaks.edu/voices/from-the-magazine/master-of-social-work-first-generation-nontraditional-students/