XをYに思う (regard X as Y)

The pattern [X]を[Y]に思う, meaning 'to regard X as Y' or 'to think of X as Y.' A subjective/inward counterpart to [X]を[Y]にする ('treat X as Y'). Common in 誇りに思う ('be proud of'), 自慢に思う ('take pride in'), 哀れに思う ('feel pity for').