STOCKTON — Phil Gilberston, provost at University of the Pacific, has been selected to write a book on the history of the University, it was announced this week. Gilbertson’s book will focus mostly on the past 40 years of Pacific’s history but will include a narrative of the first 120 years.

This will be the fifth book published on the University’s history. Gilbertson said he will tap into the memories of alumni, staff and faculty who can recall specific events or use documents in the University Archives explaining how events unfolded.

“Pacific has such a rich and distinctive identity. I am eager to try to capture the saga of this splendid place over 160 years,” Gilbertson said.   

The idea for a new book on Pacific’s history was first explored in 2003, when a committee recommended that a history be published.