PALO ALTO, Calif. | June 9, 2026 — For fifty years, Palo Alto University has been shaped by the people who teach, learn, lead, mentor, support, and serve its community.
As part of PAU's 50th Anniversary Celebration Week, the Community Luncheon brought together students, faculty, staff, trustees, community partners, and friends of the university for an afternoon of conversation and celebration at PAU's Allen Calvin Campus.
The outdoor gathering spaces surrounding the Omar Seddiqui Research Library and the Anika Mehta Student Success Center quickly became filled with conversation as colleagues reconnected. Many employees had traveled to campus for Celebration Week, making the luncheon a special opportunity to spend time together, reconnect with coworkers, and, for some, meet colleagues in person for the first time after working together virtually.
Approximately 83 members of the PAU community attended the luncheon throughout the afternoon. Guests enjoyed a catered lunch prepared by Bianchini's, which featured a generous selection of freshly prepared hot dishes as conversations continued among colleagues old and new.
The event celebrated not only what Palo Alto University has accomplished over the past fifty years, but also the people whose dedication and service have made that progress possible.
Since its founding in 1975, Palo Alto University has grown into a nationally recognized institution dedicated to advancing mental and behavioral health through education, research, training, and community engagement. Thousands of graduates have gone on to serve communities around the world, while faculty, staff, donors, partners, and supporters have helped strengthen the university's mission and expand its impact.
The Community Luncheon provided an opportunity to recognize those contributions while celebrating the relationships that continue to shape the university.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the chance for members of the PAU community from across the university to gather in one place. Faculty and staff stepped away from their daily responsibilities to connect with colleagues they had not seen in years, while others met in person for the very first time after months of working together remotely.
Throughout the afternoon, the spirit of collaboration that has defined PAU for five decades was on display. Whether through teaching, research, clinical practice, or service, those relationships continue to strengthen the university and the communities it serves.
The event was coordinated by Jammela Ali, Executive Assistant in the Office of the Provost, with support from Craig Strong, Director of Facilities, whose collaboration helped create a welcoming experience for everyone in attendance.
"Planning this event was a true team effort," said Jammela Ali. "Seeing everyone reconnect and enjoy the experience made it all worthwhile."
"It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces together celebrating how far PAU has come," said Craig Strong. "The energy on campus really reflected what this community is all about."
As Celebration Week continued, the Community Luncheon served as a reminder that while milestones are worth celebrating, it is the people behind them who define the university.
For fifty years, Palo Alto University has been shaped by educators, researchers, clinicians, students, staff, trustees, partners, and supporters who are committed to improving lives through human understanding. The Community Luncheon honored that legacy while celebrating the connections that will help shape the university's future.
As attendees departed, they left with more than memories of a shared meal. They returned to their work with renewed connections, familiar faces, and a shared appreciation for the colleagues and community that continue to move Palo Alto University forward.
See More Celebration Week Highlights (Coming Soon)