communityaffairs News

Rose Garden Dedicated to Marion Woodman - Ladera Lane Campus

Erik Davis

Here is a write-up of the Rose Garden Dedication Ceremony to Marion Woodman, which took place on Thursday, February 22, 2007.

This afternoon I attended the dedication of the Marion Woodman rose labyrinth on the Ladera campus of Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara. What an amazing event! Famed author and Jungian analyst Marion Woodman and her husband Ross Woodman were there and Marion spoke eloquently about the spiritual symbolism of the rose, which she sees as the Western sacred equivalent of the eastern lotus -- a plant which sends it roots deep into the earth and its life force and energy up into the unfolding or "individuation" of its exquisitely beautiful blooms. Marion has always been a devoted lover of roses, which is why Pacifica chose a rose garden as a special tribute to her and her work. The garden has been designed in the shape of a spiral labyrinth. Woodman sees the spiral as a symbol of the sacred feminine, and she talked about the way we come around and around to things in life, each time going deeper and sensing more meaning until we come to the center and finally understand. She spoke about how the rose unfurls in a spiral fashion. She herself was wearing a beautifully crafted necklace made of spirals, as well as a wrist corsage of roses. After remarks by Pacifica's Founding President Stephen Aizenstat inside the Barrett Auditorium, the group of about 50 people assembled outside (the rain had stopped just in time!) around the outside of the spiral and each offered a word or greeting to Marion as she walked with her cane, holding Ross's arm, through the spiral to the center, where a low rock had an engraved dedication to Marion and a simple terra cotta bench offered a resting place. She offered a blessing to the garden, envisioning its use by generations of future students at Pacifica and then she and Ross slowly exited the labyrinth. A celebration with champagne, cake and live harp music followed inside the auditorium. There are over 100 roses in the spiral. I'm trying to get a list of what's been planted, but don't have that yet. The project was envisioned by Edie Barrett with further design and implementation by master gardener Marshall Chrostowski, who heads up Pacifica's market garden and supervises the care of all of the grounds on Pacifica's two campuses. What other plant but the rose would have had the "numinosity" and soul for this very special tribute to a woman who has profoundly affected the way so many people understand the connection between body, mind and spirit? Linda Buzzell-Saltzman

Stephen Aizenstat Featured as Local Hero

Erik Davis

Pacifica's Founding President, Stephen Aizenstat, Ph.D., was featured as a "Local Hero" by the Santa Barbara Independent. The November 23rd, 2006 issue documented Dr. Aizenstat and other local dignitaties who are making a difference in the community.

http://www.independent.com/archives/2006/11/local_heros_2006_1.html

Pacifica Sponsors Aids Walk 2006

Erik Davis

Pacifica Graduate Institute is a proud sponsor of the 16th Annual Heart & Sole AIDS Walk - a benefit for Pacific Pride Foundation’s HIV/AIDS programs and services. The walk will take place on Saturday, October 7th at Leadbetter Beach.

It’s one of the largest one-day fundraising events in Santa Barbara County — raising over $1.7 million during the past 15 years.

The route is 10-kilometers (6.2 miles) and leads walkers along the beach on Cabrillo Boulevard. The Walk ends with a beachside celebration with complimentary snacks, live music, free massages and an awards ceremony.

To walk or pledge, please call 805.963.3636 ext. 121

Pacifica Sponsors Sustainability Project Lecture

Erik Davis

On September 26, Edward Mazria, an internationally recognized architect and author of The Passive Solar Energy Book, will explore the science behind these events and the historic role the design and building community must play in addressing them. Following the lecture, a panel of local experts will discuss how to apply Mazria’s concepts in our community. Come learn what you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your home or work place.

This lecture is being presented by The Sustainability Project and Pacifica Graduate Institute with support from the Community Environmental Council, Santa Barbara Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Peikert Group, Westmont College, and Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County. Additional cooperation is coming from the Santa Barbara Contractors Association’s Built Green Program and the Green Building Alliance.

For further information about this event, contact The Sustainability Project at 966-3355 or check their website: www.sustainabilityproject.org.

Pacifica Celebrates 30 Years

Erik Davis

On June 16-19, 2006, Pacifica Graduate Institute celebrated its 30th anniversary with a community gathering of students, alumni, faculty, and staff at the Institute's new Ladera Lane Campus. More than 300 came together for a weekend that was themed, "Harvesting the Dream, Seeding the Future".