Southern California School Expands Roots in Northern California, Pacific Oaks College Announces Grand Opening of San Jose Campus

PASADENA and SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After years of instructional cohorts in Northern California, Pacific Oaks College & Children's School (PO) announces the grand opening of a new branch campus based in San Jose, Calif. Drawing a large crowd of more than 75 attendees, the grand opening took place in late September and gathered alumni, presidents of local higher education institutions, and colleagues of PO. Honorable Charles "Chappie" Jones, San Jose City Councilmember, presented PO with a commendation from the City of San Jose. 

The introduction of the San Jose Campus solidifies PO's foundational roots in the Bay Area. Founded more than 70 years ago, PO's unique teaching and learning philosophy includes the tenets of equality, peaceful conflict resolution, and the valuing of every individual's potential. While its original campus is based in Pasadena, Calif., PO's progressive approach to education resonated throughout the state and found its way into Northern California in the early 1980's. Classes were held according to students' needs, at diverse instructional sites such as preschools, church basements, and even the YMCA in Oakland, Calif. The establishment of the San Jose Campus is PO's commitment to the community.

"We are thrilled to find our permanent home in San Jose. Our campus allows us to come together, to honor the past and the work we have accomplished over the past 30 years. At the same time, we celebrate our future," said San Jose Campus Dean, Dr. Marcia Bankirer.

Dr. Bankirer comes to PO from Denver School of Nursing, where she served as President for almost 5 years. Bankirer is a pioneer of innovative learning, leading the development of alternative and off-campus programs through the use of media and technology to engage students.

PO also announced the Gretchen Brooke Memorial Scholarship, a merit scholarship awarded to eligible Northern California based students who exemplify the PO mission. In attendance for the presentation were Brooke's husband, John, and 2 of their daughters. Brooke served as a faculty member for over 20 years and is remembered for her impact on students, colleagues, and communities of Central Valley California where she taught for many years.

"With these scholarships that are dedicated to the kindness and grace with which Gretchen Brooke helped students learn, we hope to allow more students in Northern California to benefit from programs that serve communities with current skills and timeless values," said Dr. Patricia Breen, President of Pacific Oaks College.

The San Jose Campus offers a Bachelor's-completion and Master's programs in human development. Additional programs include a Master's of Education degree, with options of a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential or Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential. For the first time outside of Pasadena, PO's San Jose Campus will offer a Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy with a specialization in Trauma Studies. For more information, visit www.pacificoaks.edu.

About Pacific Oaks College & Children's School
Founded 70 years ago by a small group of Quaker families, Pacific Oaks College & Children's School (PO) is a nonprofit, accredited higher education institution offering Bachelor's-completion and Master's programs in human development, marriage and family therapy, education, early childhood education, and teacher credentialing. PO remains dedicated to the fundamental Quaker principles of inclusion, social justice, and the valuing of each individual. The school has a long history of serving non-traditional and adult students and is known for its experiential and culture-centered approach to education. PO offers classes at its main campus in Pasadena, its San Jose Campus, and at instructional sites throughout California. PO is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU). For more information, visit www.pacificoaks.edu.

Pacific Oaks College is an affiliate of TCS Education System, a nonprofit system of colleges advancing student success and community impact.

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SOURCE Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School

Related Links

http://www.pacificoaks.edu