President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., delivered his second annual Report to the University on Oct. 29. The president outlined four external factors impacting the university and laid out five imperatives for meeting these challenges and thriving in the years ahead. Read the FULL SPEECH.

"I just wanted to say thanks for your help with a successful summer blood drive! Yesterday's drive registered 28 donors on a goal of 25- quite unusual for a summer drive on a college campus. But, Seattle U has rallied to success in the toughest of times before so it's just a testament to your strength as a valuable donor group."

"There are now six students from the UAE on campus," says Heidi Beck, interim director of CLB. "The two freshmen currently enrolled in the Culture and Language Bridge program are sponsored by the ADIA Distinguished Student Scholarship. Since the 1970s, the scholarship has been given to students in the top 10 percent of UAE high school graduates. This gives them a chance to study abroad, develop their business and leadership skills, and return home to become future leaders within the company."

The Culture and Language Bridge program prepares non-native speakers of English for productive academic careers at Seattle University. CLB works with freshmen, junior transfer, exchange and graduate-level students from a wide variety of countries including Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Kenya, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and, of course, the UAE.

Here's a cool story involving an SU parent. Mike Carriker, father of Tyler Carriker, '13, was part of a record-setting team of pilots who flew around the world in 42 hours. Click on the video to learn more.

Joe Phillips, dean and professor of economics in the Albers School of Business and Economics, took time away from the school's annual golf fundraiser to share his thoughts on the state of the economy. You can click on this video clip to see KING5's full report and what Phillips had to say. 

President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., greets Fr. Đào Xuân Thành, the first pastor of Vietnamese Martyrs, the first Vietnamese Catholic parish in Seattle as Venerable Thich Trung Sỹ, PhD, looks on. Father Thành and Venerable Trung Sỹ were on campus to participate in a panel, “Spirit of Caring: An Interfaith Approach to Supporting Vietnamese American Youth in the Local Neighborhood.”

With nearly 8,000 parishioners, Vietnamese Martyrs is located at 1230 E. Fir St., just steps away from the university and within the Bailey Gatzert neighborhood that is the focal point of the Seattle University Youth Initiative. The parish has a vibrant youth program, begun in 1985, that serves more than 300 youths ages 7 to 17 under the guidance of 50 youth leaders who offer a wholistic cultural, spiritual and educational experience. Five former youth leaders have gone onto become Northwest Province Jesuits. 

Twenty-five youth and youth leaders were on campus for the May 25 event. Son Tran, a Boeing engineer, who trains youth leaders at the church, spoke on the panel and invited Seattle University’s partnership, specifically asking the university to consider opening its facilities to the youth program, which is bursting at the seams and perpetually in search of facilities. He also welcomed the university’s help in teaching, mentoring, counseling or offering workshops on spirituality and leadership.  

The event inspired much talk of future collaborations between the university and the youth program. One idea that surfaced was whether there was some way of involving some of the youths in the immersion trips that many Seattle University students take. Fr. Thành invites faculty, staff and students to contribute our expertise in planning the new facility to be built for the youths. 

The event was sponsored by Academic Salons, the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, the Institute for Human Development, the School of Theology and Ministry, and the Center for Service and Community Engagement. 

Melisa Ziegler of Career Services wrote: “If SU wins, I’ll probably give a phone call to my sister (she’s a sophomore at UW) and I might just sing the SU fight song until she hangs up on me. ☺” Next year, Melisa, next year… 

The ever-mischievous Mike Mullen of Facilities Services wrote: “I’ll get Dan Dombrowski (philosophy professor) to vote pro-life in the next election.” Hmm, it would’ve been interesting to see how “The Mayor” would’ve pulled that one off. 

And finally, Rachael Paul of Career Services wrote: “I’m going to Disneyland!” Undeterred by the outcome, Rachael said after the game, “I am still going to Disneyland for Spring Break ☺.”  

Melisa, Mike and Rachael each received SU T-shirts for their answers.

Since then, Sundborg’s column has been picked up by many other outlets throughout the country, including The Herald of Rock Hill  (South Carolina), News Tribune of Tacoma, JournalStar.com of Lincoln, Nebraska, Harvard University Refugee and Asylum Advocacy, ImmigrationProfBlog, Kentucky.com (Lexington Herald-Leader), DailyMe, Crosscut, El Povernir.mix, Hispanopolis and Terra, as well as mentions on a number of Facebook pages and elsewhere.

John Mitchell, School of Law:

“That my children (39 and 34) are close by, that they're healthy and good people, and that my four-year-old grandson says to me ‘Bapa, you’re my best buddy.’ Doesn't get better.”

Sue Hogan, School of Theology and Ministry:

“I am so very grateful to my colleagues and friends at SU and to my wonderful family for all the care and support in 2010. It has been a challenging year to say the least, made bearable by the amazing outpouring of love for both Jim (emeritus professor of political science) and me.”  

Carly Cannell, Center for Service and Community Engagement:

"I’m thankful to work in a place where I am surrounded by people who support and inspire me in so many ways – both on campus and in the community. I’m also thankful for two four-day weekends in November."

It's a bird...it's a bus...it's a bird bus. Well, actually a Redhawk bus, which was parked on campus Nov. 17 just hours before the men's basketball team was scheduled to tip off against Oregon State. (Photo by Soon Beng Yeap)

When the SU men’s basketball team took the court for their 2010-2011 home opener on Nov. 14, a familiar face was leading the opposing team. Joe Callero returned to Seattle after leaving the Redhawks in 2008 to take the helm at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. Before tip-off, the former SU coach was acknowledged for his successful eight-year stint at SU. He received a gift and warm wishes from a contingent that included current coach, Cameron Dollar, as well as Athletic Director Bill Hogan and the legendary O'Brien brothers, John and Eddie. Click here for some video highlights.

Father Steve held the first President's Noon Forum of the academic year on Nov. 4. For most of the hour he took questions from faculty and staff, most of which centered on the Compensation and Benefits Study now underway. The president made clear his commitment to the issue, pointing out that it was at his insistence that investing in the excellence of faculty and staff be included among the university's top five strategic priorities.

A hard-hitting national TV news story about the educational rights of homeless children was the most recent project produced through the Seattle University Journalism Fellowships on Family Homelessness. Fellow Lee Hochberg, special correspondent to the PBS Newshour, filed this report on Oct. 4. Hochberg’s research assistant was Carolyn Huynh, now a senior journalism major. You can meet Hochberg and other Journalism Fellows at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21, at Town Hall at a forum moderated by KUOW's Steve Scher. For more information and to purchase tickets ($5 each), visit Town Hall. Proceeds benefit Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness. Visit SU Bookstore to learn how you can participate in a book drive for preschoolers.

Martin was a featured speaker during the three-day JAA Conference, which drew 300 development and marketing professionals from the nation’s 28 Jesuit colleges and universities. McFadden helped kick off the gathering by participating in an opening panel discussion on “Fundraising in a New Paradigm: A Discussion On Recent Trends in Current-Use, Capital, and Planned Giving.”

"JAA" is an acronym we'll be hearing a bit more of in the coming months, as the university will host next year’s conference (July 10-12).

General Peter Chiarelli, '72, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, was interviewed on NPR about soldier suicides and drug abuse. Chiarelli is pictured here with President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., in April when he received the 2010 Alumnus of the Year Award. (Photo by Candace Shankel)

Sue Hogan of the School of Theology and Ministry wrote on July 14:

"We have enjoyed only 3 days of heat so far.  Ask me again when summer actually arrives :-)"

Melisa Ziegler of Career Services writes:

"…working in the Pavilion! They try to freeze us around here so I usually bring a sweater and/or pashmina with me to keep warm during the summer."

Sen. Maria Cantwell visited Seattle University on July 6 to speak about global development. Her visit coincided with the official release of the paper, "Global Development through Aid, Partnerships, Trade and Education: Recommendations from Global Washington," which includes significant contributions from SU faculty. In welcoming Cantwell, President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., said the event was in line with "the great initiative of our university in regard to global engagement." Sundborg also acknowledged Victoria Jones as the university's new associate provost for global engagement. Be sure to read about this initiative in The Seattle Times.

His Excellency Michael Collins, Irish ambassador to the United States, speaks during a visit to campus this week as Associate Professor of English Sean McDowell looks on. It was the first visit to Seattle by an Irish ambassador since 1987. In light of this momentous occasion, why don’t we dust off a Vox Populi question from St. Patrick’s Day:

Jessica O’Connor, administrative assistant in the Office of the Registrar, writes:

“I have been volunteering in a kindergarten classroom in Rainier Beach with a literacy organization called Page Ahead. I read books and do art activities. I have been doing this for the 2009-2010 school year, but as a new employee at SU, my first official community service leave will be next week.”

Laura Hauck, graduate programs coordinator in the Albers School of Business and Economics, writes:

“I volunteered as a tutor at Washington Middle School through the SU College of Education Children’s Literacy Project.  For an hour a week during spring quarter, I worked with students in a reading class. It was a great fit with my schedule and I’m so glad to have had the support to do this.”

Casey Corr of Marketing Communications shared these words that he wrote for the editorial page of The Seattle Times in 1999 to pay tribute to his parents, both veterans of WWII, by focusing on a garment  issued to a young Navy pilot, his dad:

Wearing the past. It's now 56 years old, issued to my father when he won his wings as a Navy aviator. It spent years in a closet till I started wearing it at age 14. Though the leather has been scuffed and the collar, lining, fringe and zipper have been replaced, I feel a little thrill every time I wear the jacket.

To me, it represents the courage of the men who went off to war, the battles they won, and later, the enormous transformations in their lives and in society. Like thousands of other service men and women, the war brought my father to Seattle, where he decided to stay after meeting a Navy nurse at the Sand Point Officers Club.

Theirs was a generation that spent childhood in the Depression and young adulthood in combat. As they settled, they sought to prove themselves as citizens of a great democracy, transforming cities and suburbs with homes, malls and freeways. They expanded our schools and universities. They built the world's strongest economy. They busted through antique attitudes about race and gender, art and literature, and injected new ideas into government and culture.

They put clothes on our back, food in our guts, honor and values in our lives. We owe them big time. 

Jerry Cobb, S.J., listens as a parade of admirers sing his praises at a farewell reception on May 26. Father Cobb is taking a leave from SU to begin two new positions with the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus. At the reception a number of entreaties were made to Cobb to return to SU. Ever the English scholar, he assuring said he was looking at his leave from SU as “the end of a chapter and not of a book.” (Photo by Chris Joseph Taylor)

The recent warming we've been experiencing (sometimes) reminds us that summer isn't far away. What are your plans for the summer? The first 10 faculty and staff to respond to theem@seattleu.edu will win a two-pack of Commons post-it notes.

Patricia Whitney, administrative coordinator, UA, writes:

"I am returning to my roots, to 'the auld sod.'  My daughters and I are heading to Ireland where the pubs are warm and the Guinness is cold."

Laura Hauck, graduate programs coordinator, writes:

"Plans for the summer?  I am looking forward to a two-week 'staycation' in which I plan to enjoy sites around this area that I’ve been meaning to see, but haven’t yet. These include hiking Mt. Si, visiting the Museum of Flight, checking out the not-so-new penguin exhibit at the zoo, etc. Can’t wait for summer!"

Soon Beng, assistant vice president for Marketing Communications, writes:

"My summer plans – gearing up for the Arrupe Seminar."

Susan Clifford Jamroski, academic development officer with the College of Education Fostering Scholars program, writes:

"I will be canning tomatoes and Italian prunes. I also hope to wrangle John Dougherty’s relish recipe from him and try that too!"

Chris Joseph Taylor, university photographer, writes:

"Work, rock climbing, work, camping, work, backpacking, work, Europe."

Melissa Ziegler, office manager of Career Services, writes:

"For the summer, I will be here! Taking two classes, training for three triathlons and preparing for the academic year."

Peter Ely, S.J. (vice president for mission and ministry and associate professor of theology and religious studies), gave a thought-provoking lecture on religion and spirituality on May 11. Father Ely's presentation was part of a Psychology and Religion class taught by Le Xuan Hy, associate professor of psychology. Hy invited faculty and staff to join the students as part of the Human Development Series. Ely got the ball rolling by presenting three stages of religious development and four levels of human actualization. He then gave a quiz that asked what, if any, relationship religion and spirituality had to one another. This led to a very dynamic conversation. Some said you can't have one without the other. Others said the two had nothing to do with each other. Still others took it a step further and said that one can even inhibit the other. In the end, the never-ending question remained open, but the dialogue along the way sure was fascinating.

Since late March, the moving exhibit, Intended Consequences, has appeared at SU. The documentary images created by photographer Jonathan Torgovnik depict the stories of women who were raped during the Rwandan genocide and had children as a result. Torgovnik, left, visited SU this week and took part in a panel discussion hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences. Click here to learn more about the exhibit.

The Commons has invited faculty and staff to share their impressions of the exhibit. Send you responses to theem@seattleu.edu. Here is what we have received so far.

Pat Whitney, administrative coordinator to the vice president of University of Advancement, writes:

"I am so very grateful for the singular opportunity afforded our campus to host this extraordinary photographic exhibit!  Although it was sometimes very challenging to read the stories and see the photos, it serves as a clear reminder of the true cost of war, the often silent cost of war.  And what a tale some of these women tell of the ability to move into reconciliation and healing – with their abusers, their victimhood, their children – through the gift of maternal love for their children.  Although I cannot imagine surviving such experiences, the incredible fortitude of these women is awe-inspiring. Thanks to the artist for his obvious sensitivity and love for his subjects.  And thanks to all who brought this exhibit to our community!"

Charles Garcia's dunk against Cal State Northridge has advanced from the Sweet Sixteen to the Elite Eight and now the Final Four in Hoops Manifesto's Dunk of the Year Tournament. Click here for more details and to help vote Chuck into the championship round.

Monday, May 3, is one of those milestone days at SU. Construction begins on the building at 12th and Cherry that will open as student housing for the 2011-2012 academic year. Click here for more information.

Send your response to theem@seattleu.edu. The first ten faculty and staff to respond will receive a reusable Commons tote bag.

Helen Sernett, assistant director of annual giving:

I don’t know if it’s creative but here’s what I’m doing: I compost; I recycle; I reuse; I grow my own food organically; I carpool; I take the train and walk to work; I order my produce that I don’t grow online from www.spud.com and only order food that they mark as ‘local’; I harvest windfalls in my neighborhood; I don’t wash my car that often; I don’t run the water when I brush my teeth; I try not to print pages unnecessarily; I use rags rather than paper towels; I buy mostly organic; I buy eco-friendly detergents.

Jasmina Kostich, adjunct faculty legal administrative assistant, School of Law:

I dig down in the recycling bin and take out used paper and cut it up  into small squares. I write on these at my desk or if someone needs to write down something, I give them to the person. That way, the paper is being used once again…

Susan Matt, assistant professor of nursing, writes:

I was in the habit of using paper towels to dry fruits and vegetables when I washed them.  I changed that and now I use a cloth towel that I change every evening and wash once a week.  I also use cloths to clean the counters in my kitchen and the table rather than paper towels, which was my practice before.

Elizabeth Sikes, adjunct professor of philosophy:

Get rid of water coolers and install filters on fountains and other public faucets!

Doug Duncan, associate university counsel:

I don’t exhale.

Joyce Allen (registrar), Michael Andrews (dean of Matteo Ricci College), Connie Anthony (chair of political science), Azita Emami (dean of Nursing), Leticia Guardiola-Saenz (assistant professor of School of Theology and Ministry), Paul Holland (associate dean of Law), Jerry Huffman (assistant vice president for human resources), Michael Kerns (associate vice president of Facilities), Joe Orlando (assistant vice president for mission and ministry), Joe Phillips (dean of Albers School of Business and Economics), Carol Schneider (director of Student Academic Services), Debra Stauffer (assistant dean of Nursing), Jen Tilghman-Havens (associate director of Jesuit Mission & Identity) and Lindsay Whitlow (assistant professor of biology).

Joyce Allen has created a slideshow of the trip that you can view at Nicaragua 2010. For more information about the Nicaragua immersion trip, visit Nicaragua. 

Lee Peterson, assistant director, choral music, writes:

“With travel funds and a car not part of my current reality, I made do with trips to outlying regions of my inner landscape. I taught myself to crochet so that I could finally get a grasp of hyperbolic geometry. I read about 40 books. I rode the bus a lot.”

Sue Hogan, School of Theology and Ministry, writes:

Share your Spring Break experience with us by e-mailing theem@seattleu.edu.

From March 19 to 30, a group of about 30 pilgrims led by Pat O’Leary, S.J., are retracing the spiritual journey St. Ignatius took from his home in Loyola toward Jerusalem. The group includes SU's Kathy Collins, Jan Hartley, Marianne LaBarre, Natch Ohno, S.J., Jeanette Rodriguez, George Simmons and Arrupe’s Pat Twohy, S.J. Among other destinations, they will visit the statue, left, that depicts Ignatius’s spiritual awakening while recovering after being wounded in battle.

Why pay all that money to fly to Arizona to watch a Mariners game that doesn't count when you can stay local and watch a regular season game (or four) for nothing? This weekend, March 19-21, the Seattle University baseball team welcomes Cal State Northridge to Bannerwood Park in Bellevue for a four-game series. Arlo Evasick, top, and his teammates are coming off a victory over Pac-10 school Oregon and are showing improvement in all phases of the game. The series begins with a Friday evening contest beginning at 6 p.m., followed by a Saturday doubleheader that starts at 1 p.m. and the series finale on Sunday starting at 11 a.m. Seattle University faculty and staff receive free admission to all home baseball games. Go Redhawks!

Ever wonder how the NCAA Tournament's field of 64 teams (a.k.a. institutions of higher learning) would fare if they were to face off academically? Well, Inside Higher Ed has done the work, and many of the outcomes may surprise you. Click here to see which schools would advance if performance in the classroom was counted rather than dunks on the court.

Vox Populi: What is Ireland's greatest gift to civilization?

Send your answer to theem@seattleu.edu.

Candace Bohonik, administrative assistant in the Learning Center, writes:

“The faeries and the leprechauns, to be sure. And Guinness.”

A two-run homer by Riley Tompkins helped lead the Redhawks to a 6-4 victory over Oregon on Sunday, March 14. Click here for more details on the great win for SU.

Did you catch the recent profile King 5’s “Evening Magazine” did on head men’s basketball coach Cameron Dollar and his father—and assistant coach—Donald? If not, you can watch the clip online.

It was a triumphant homecoming for Oregon native Chris Gweth. The business management senior poured in 18 points for the Redhawks as they stunned Oregon State 99-48 on Jan. 6 in Corvallis. Click here to read more about the game. Check out the schedule for upcoming Redhawks games including their next appearance at the Key on Jan. 16.

The Department of Physics invites you to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s first observation of the moons of Jupiter. The event will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, in the Casey Atrium. The evening will feature a reading of scenes from Tom Stoppard’s screenplay “Galileo” and a discussion of Galileo as an historical figure and as portrayed by Stoppard and in the more famous play by Brecht. Light refreshments will be served. The Department of Physics is collaborating with Infinity Box Theater Project to present this event.

Why is this student so excited? Could it be because SU was recently listed among “Top Ten Value Schools” by Wise Choice, a new online college guide? Other schools making the list include Cornell and Catholic University. Click here for more information.

The Watercooler is intended to be your place for short news items, which typically will stay posted for a day or so and range from lighthearted to serious, informational to thought-provoking, topical to random.

Do you have something you'd like to see posted on The Watercooler? Please contact Mike Thee at theem@seattleu.edu  or 296-6135.