A project bringing elegant boutique lodging to University of the Pacific’s Stockton Campus has achieved $6 million of its $7 million funding goal, thanks in large part to Regent Jie Du ’90, ’93.

Du committed a $3 million gift to renovate the century-old sorority house adjacent to the President’s Residence. Her generosity is reflected in the project’s new name: the Jie Du Inn.

“Pacific is very dear to me. Being admitted here and offered a scholarship really changed my life, and I wanted to give something back that would make a difference,” she said.

Du describes hers as the typical American Dream story. Born and raised in China, she came to the United States in 1988 when Pacific offered her a full scholarship to pursue graduate studies at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy. 

She arrived in California with $50 in her pocket and two suitcases in hand. After earning master’s and doctorate degrees from the pharmacy school, she built a successful career as a researcher and pharmaceutical entrepreneur. She founded her own company, JDP Therapeutics Inc., and served as its president and CEO until it was acquired in 2019. 

In 2020, Du made a significant gift to the pharmacy school to create the Jie Du Center for Innovation and Excellence for Drug Development. The center provides education, training and mentorship to prepare students for impactful careers in drug development.

“Jie has been tireless in pursuing her own dreams while advancing the dreams of others,” said Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president for development and alumni relations. “We are truly fortunate that our students benefit from her example of grit and determination, as well as from her tremendous philanthropic legacy.”

The Jie Du Inn will feature approximately 20 private rooms and suites, a grand parlor, and dining and meeting facilities. It will host prospective students and families, as well as alumni and other distinguished guests.

Opportunities are still available to name rooms and spaces, including a campaign to honor the late Judy Chambers ’58, ’60, Pacific’s inaugural vice president for student life. The Delta Delta Delta sorority, which previously resided in the building, is also raising funds to name a room.

“The Jie Du Inn will bring our entire community together around our shared love for Pacific, with spaces to tell rich stories about our legacy and history,” said First Lady Jean Callahan, who is leading the fundraising campaign for the Inn.

“We are thrilled about all that the Inn will do for Pacific, and we’re grateful to Regent Du for bringing this vision so much closer to reality.”

When the Inn opens its doors in 2026, students will have opportunities for hands-on learning in marketing, event planning and other areas through the Eberhardt School of Business.

Students would work and learn alongside staff at the Inn as part of a new concentration in hotel and hospitality management, currently being developed as part of the business administration program. Opportunities for students to work with large hotel brands, major marketing firms and other companies are also being explored.

“There are always jobs in this industry, and it’s really growing in the Central Valley. The wine industry is booming,” said Associate Professor Pete Schroeder. “Our students are going to be ready to go when they graduate.”

Du believes that anything is possible for students with hard work and perseverance. She views the Jie Du Inn as a physical representation of that truth in her own life.

“Giving back was always my goal. Even as a poor student I told myself, if I make it, I’m going to give back. Now, I’m grateful to do something that will impact future students,” she said.

“I hope my gift inspires others to think, ‘if she can do it, so can I.’ And then to give whatever they can to support Pacific students.”

To help close the fundraising campaign for the Jie Du Inn, contact Scott Biedermann, vice president for development and alumni relations, at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@ndkllx.com.