Pacific University Students Return to Stockton

STOCKTON – The vibrant atmosphere of Stockton's Miracle Mile was palpable on Friday night as students from the University of the Pacific (UOP) returned to campus, much to the delight of local business owners. Zoyla Cifuentes, owner of Comal Coffee, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "It gives me more life. More life, more hope." Since opening her coffee shop less than six months ago, Cifuentes has already seen a positive impact from the student presence, noting that a UOP soccer team frequently visits her establishment. As the community gears up for the influx of students, Cifuentes is expanding her business and plans to hire local students. "We love to work with the youth," she said, highlighting her commitment to fostering connections with the student body. The excitement is shared among other local businesses, as they anticipate increased foot traffic and engagement from the returning students. Sebastian Cruz, a first-year student, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating that one of the reasons she chose UOP was the sense of belonging it offers. The university aims to integrate students into the local community, particularly along Miracle Mile, where businesses thrive on student patronage. With over a thousand students welcomed back to the Stockton campus, UOP is set to kick off classes on Monday, marking a new chapter for both students and local businesses eager to support and engage with the university community.