Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt ’76, a former University of the Pacific Board of Regents Chair, Bank of Stockton Vice President and lifelong Stockton resident has been selected to receive the prestigious ATHENA Award from the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce in recognition of her significant impact on women and the community.

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce CEO Timm Quinn surprised her with the news at the Alex and Jeri Vereschagin Alumni House, joined by President Christopher Callahan, her mother and former Regent Mimi Eberhardt and three past ATHENA winners and current Board of Regents members: Judge Connie Callahan ‘75, Board Chair Leticia Robles ‘89 and Kathleen Lagorio Janssen ’68. 

“Mary-Elizabeth exemplifies everything the ATHENA Award represents. Through her leadership in banking, higher education and community service, she has helped strengthen Stockton while creating opportunities for others to succeed. She is a champion for women in leadership and a dedicated mentor who understands the importance of opening doors for the next generation. Her impact on this community is exceptional, and we are proud to recognize her with this well-deserved honor,” Quinn said. 

The annual ATHENA Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in their chosen profession, champion the advancement of women in business and professional fields, make meaningful contributions to their communities, and dedicate themselves to mentoring and empowering others.

"Receiving the ATHENA Award is beyond a tremendous honor. My greatest passion has always been creating opportunities for others," Eberhardt said. " Being recognized alongside these many inspiring leaders who are making a difference in our community is deeply meaningful. I am grateful to the Stockton Chamber for this humbling recognition."

Eberhardt served on Pacific's Board of Regents from 2017-26 and has chaired the board for three years. During her tenure, the university reached record enrollment, achieved unprecedented financial stability and earned its highest national rankings.

"Mary-Elizabeth is an extraordinary choice for the ATHENA Award,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan. “Her deep commitment to our students is evident in everything she does, and her leadership has strengthened our efforts to elevate student success and advance excellence across the university.  

"Whether she is encouraging students, cheering on our athletic teams or leading the board, she brings an extraordinary energy and a genuine desire to uplift those around her. Her dedication and presence make a lasting difference throughout our community, and I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside her.

During her time as board chair, Pacific achieved record enrollment, unprecedented financial stability and its highest ever national rankings. The board approved 11 new academic degree programs and added multiple athletic programs amid cuts nationwide. 

Pacific also became a Hispanic-Serving Institution, completed numerous capital projects across all three campuses and entered a historic multi-year partnership with the San Francisco 49ers during her tenure. 

Eberhardt has endowed three scholarships and, with her family and Bank of Stockton, has funded two faculty chairs and supported many campus building projects.

In January, Eberhardt received the Pacific Alumni Association’s Medallion of Excellence, recognizing outstanding achievement by alumni who are faculty, staff or regents. She was presented with an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree at the university commencement ceremony in May. 

Eberhardt has spent her life in Stockton, where her family has owned and operated Bank of Stockton, the state’s oldest bank, since 1949. 

For more than four decades, Eberhardt has worked to broaden access to banking services for underserved populations throughout the Central Valley, helping low-income households, immigrants and others facing barriers to traditional financial services. Her work has supported the economic stability of small businesses and mission-focused organizations while strengthening financial resources in communities with limited access to conventional banking.

Beyond her banking career, Eberhardt serves as vice chair of the San Joaquin Partnership, a nonprofit organization dedicated to attracting, retaining and growing businesses throughout San Joaquin County. She is a founding member of the Children’s Museum of Stockton and serves on the board of the San Joaquin County Historical Society.

Eberhardt also is a role model for other female leaders. She mentors fellow regents, advises business students and encourages student-athletes through First Lady Jean Callahan’s #WomenSupportingWomen program.

The inaugural ATHENA Award was presented in 1986 to the late Judy Chambers, former Pacific vice president for student life. Other Pacificans who have received the award include Dea Berberian, alumna Kristen Birtwhistle ’81, ’88 and President Emerita Pam Eibeck.

Founded in 1982, ATHENA International collaborates with hundreds of chambers of commerce, higher education institutions and other organizations across 48 states and 11 countries. The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce hosts one of the nation’s longest-running ATHENA programs.

Eberhardt will receive the ATHENA Award Thursday, Nov. 19 at the Stockton Golf & Country Club. Tickets are available through the Stockton Chamber of Commerce.