Paul Dassenko ’82, a seasoned arbitrator and mediator who also spent more than 30 years as a senior executive in financial services, has helped Pacific reach new heights as a member of the Board of Regents.
He has been a key driver behind Pacific’s strong financial footing. Since joining the board in 2017, the university’s endowment has grown by more than $300 million, thanks in large part to his leadership on the investment committee, which he chaired for two years. He also served as vice chair of the Board of Regents in 2024-25 and was on the presidential search committee in 2019.
“He has helped elevate the university’s national reputation; during his tenure Pacific achieved the highest enrollment and best national rankings in our history,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan. “With Paul on the board, we approved 30 new degree programs, opened the School of Health Sciences in Sacramento, completed numerous capital projects and successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. His contributions have been integral to the life and health of the university.”
Dassenko, a McGeorge School of Law alumnus, is also a longtime supporter of the law school. He joined the McGeorge International Board of Advisors in 2014 and gave the law school’s commencement address in 2017. In 2018, he established the Paul Dassenko Endowed Scholarship, using the Powell Match to double its impact. The scholarship supports McGeorge students interested in international law or alternative dispute resolution.