Paulsen Family Champions Room

"Once a Tiger, Always A Tiger" reads the new lettering over the entrance to the Paulsen Family Champions Room that sits in the heart of the Pacific Intercollegiate Athletics Center. The signage is just one of several recent upgrades made possible by a gift from Pacific alumnus, Rick Paulsen '82.

The Paulsen family has a decades-long history of giving to Pacific Athletics that dates back to Rick's father, Max Paulsen, who helped start the Pacific Athletic Foundation (PAF) in 1970. Rick, who played basketball and baseball for the Tigers from 1978-82, followed in his father's footsteps, joining the PAF in 1983 and has remained one of the department's most loyal donors and successful fundraisers. The family honored their legacy originally with a gift in 2004, naming the room that serves as the main meeting location within the Athletics Center for student-athletes, coaches, staff, recruits, donors and alumni.

"Rick's support of the vision and potential for this central gathering spot and point of pride within Athletics has been so impactful and we're incredibly humbled to have such longstanding partners in the Paulsen family," said Director of Athletics Janet Lucas. "This is the room where big ideas are born and strategic decisions are made, so it makes perfect sense to honor the family in this way."

The recent gift helped fund a complete makeover of the area which included new carpet, fresh paint and baseboards, a new 80-inch flat screen television, updated branding on the walls as well as mobile tables and chairs that can physically be reconfigured depending on the need.

"Our family has always had tremendous pride and respect for Pacific and the positive difference it makes in our community," said Rick Paulsen. "It is a no-brainer to help improve and provide first class athletic facilities for our coaches, athletic staff, booster groups and student-athletes."

Paulsen's generosity confirms what all members of the Pacific Tigers family know to be true: Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger.