If anyone is emblematic of Pacific Oaks’ legacy, it’s Priscilla Gamb.
She’s seen Pacific Oaks through many different lenses—as a daughter, as a parent, and as a board member—throughout its history.
Gamb’s own story is intertwined with that of Pacific Oaks, starting from birth. Her mother was Evangeline Burgess, the first president of Pacific Oaks College. Burgess’ mission to have well-educated teachers for young children led to the founding of the College.
“I wasn’t seeing her as president. I was seeing her as my mother. But I still saw her impact,” Gamb says. “She was incredibly fair, and she was very curious. She never wanted to stop learning, and I think that gave people this impetus to be creative and sure of themselves. My mother exuded knowledge and influence, and people turned naturally to her. She was a true leader, and I think that’s a real gift.”
Gamb herself was a student at the Children’s School starting at 2 ½ years old. She vividly remembers exploring in an outdoor setting and learning how to ride a tricycle on Shady Lane.
These are memories she shares with her own children, who also attended the Children’s School. Her son was in the first infant-toddler program in the 1970s.
“For me, it was important and special for my own children to go through those experiences and develop skills during their own time at the Children’s School,” Gamb says. “The teachers, who are all well-educated and experts in early childhood education, are really wonderful role models for young parents. For me as a mother, it was helpful to see that kind of modeling.”
Gamb became even further involved when she was asked if she wanted to serve on the board. Through her three stints, she has cultivated a keen perspective into Pacific Oaks’ evolving legacy and what it has stood for and continues to stand for today.
“I’ve seen just about every president who has ever been a president, and I have met them all. I’ve either been at their inauguration or I was part of helping get them hired. I think it’s amazing how leadership really does mold institutions and set the tone,” Gamb says.
When asked how her mother’s initial tenure informed Pacific Oaks, Gamb cites the same values that it stands for today: diversity, inclusion, respect, and social justice. It’s a testament to the work of countless community members and the different leaders who have contributed in evolving and sustaining the Pacific Oaks that exists today.
“People here are empathetic and open themselves up to hearing different viewpoints,” Gamb says. “Everyone treats others with an incredible amount of respect. That doesn’t happen at a lot of organizations, and I think people feel it. They feel respected. Those are values that we really live by.”
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