Hall of Fame
People knew Alex G. Spanos ’48 as a passionately devoted family man whose business ventures flourished beyond imagination, and as a man who gave selflessly of his time, experience and wealth. The University of the Pacific community also knew him as a beloved friend and son whose indelible imprint will live on.
Attending Pacific in the 1940s, Spanos earned varsity letters in swimming and diving. During those formative years, he developed a rich love for the university, which he later demonstrated through financial gifts, partnerships and service as a long-time member of the Pacific Board of Regents.
Mr. Spanos’ contributions exemplify the very heart of the Pacific experience of living, learning and leading with purpose.
While the most visible impact Mr. Spanos had on Pacific are the Alex G. Spanos Center and the Faye Spanos Concert Hall, his legacy reached the classroom as well.
Following in their parents’ philanthropic footsteps, Alex and Faye Spanos’ four children honored them in 1974 for their 25th wedding anniversary by establishing the Alex and Faye Spanos Endowed Teaching Award Fund, which recognizes a College of the Pacific faculty member who embodies Pacific’s commitment to teaching and concern for student achievement.
Spanos was the driving force and major contributor to the construction of Alex G. Spanos Center, the venue for countless Pacific Athletics games and practices, major community events and graduations, and the home to Pacific’s men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams. Groundbreaking for the center was in August 1979 and it was dedicated in September 1981. He gave generously to the renovations of Faye Spanos Concert Hall in 1987 to honor his wife, and to Amos Alonzo Stagg Memorial Stadium’s Pacific Club in 1973 when Pacific had a football team.
Which is what Mr. Spanos pursued. He owned the NFL’s San Diego (now Los Angeles) Chargers. His son Dean Spanos ’72, also a former member of the Pacific Board of Regents, is the controlling owner and chairman of the board for the team.
That legacy continues today. His son Michael ’81, daughter Dea Berberian and son-in-law Barry Ruhl ’74, ’77 have each served as regents, and son-in-law Ronald Berberian ’65 is a current regent. The family was given the Alumni Association Outstanding Family Award in 2002.
Mr. Spanos’ tremendous, transformative impact on Pacific is immeasurable. What he has done for academics, athletics and student life here at Pacific will inspire generations to come.
