SU Magazine Editor's Blog

Gen. Chiarelli on 60 Minutes

2013-05-07T15:29:45Z

Seattle University trustee and alumnus Ret. Army General Peter W. Chiarelli, '72, was interviewed by CBS Pentagon correspondent David Martin on a recent 60 Minutes segment, "Invisible Wounds of War." The report offered an in-depth look at traumatic brain injuries in the military. The four-star general and former vice chief of staff for the U.S. has worked tirelessly to address issues around post-traumatic brain injuries to bring awareness to the issue and provide resources for those who are suffering.

Check out Chiarelli's interview here.

Leaders of the WAC

2013-03-25T14:45:00Z

Congratulations to the women's basketball team for an outstanding and memorable season that included winning the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) regular season title, a trip to Las Vegas for their second consecutive NCAA post-season berth and a spot in the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

Read more about the team and their amazing season here.

New McGoldrick Fellow

2013-02-19T18:05:32Z

Seattle University has selected Professor Jeanette Rodriguez, of theology and religious studies, as the 2013 McGoldrick Fellow. Professor Rodriguez is an accomplished teacher and scholar committed to those living on the margins.

Named for Father James McGoldrick, a legendary Jesuit who was known for his genuine care for students, the fellowship is awarded to faculty members who exemplify the values of Jesuit education and the spirit of Father McGoldrick.

Says President Sundborg, "Jeanette Rodriguez is precisely that kind of professor. She brings a great intellect and passion to her teaching, scholarship and service. Teaching in Arts and Sciences and the School of Theology and Ministry, she inspires her students not only to master the coursework, but to put their knowledge to use in building a more just and humane world."

Read more about Rodriguez and her work in The Commons.

Urban Growth

2013-01-17T13:09:35Z

An innovative urban agriculture project, spearheaded by Seattle University’s Environmental Studies program, is helping to put fresh produce on the table for families in need in the Puget Sound region. The aptly named Urban Farm, located on a portion of King County's South Wastewater Treatment Plant, was created on unused land with the support of a $100,000 grant from Wells Fargo.

After the area was cleared of debris and fortified with nutrient-rich soils, the first crop of fruits and vegetables were planted in January 2011. In its first year, the farm generated nearly 7,000 pounds of produce for area food banks. That number doubled by the end of 2012.

Check out the video on this innovative urban agriculture project and learn more here.

Year in Review

2012-12-06T14:36:14Z

With the year winding down, it's a good time to look back at what made it a year to remember, a year of great milestones at Seattle University. There was the opening of Seattle University Park, the Presidential Award for community service, a top honor for the library and learning commons and more.

At Home in the House

2012-10-30T16:23:04Z

Pat Conroy, S.J., became the first Jesuit and just the second Catholic priest to be named chaplain of the House of Representatives. Father Conroy has ties to this Washington as well, particularly Seattle and Seattle University. His father, brother and aunts and uncles graduated from the university and he served in Campus Ministry in the 1990s.

Father Conroy describes what it’s like to be chaplain in the House of Representatives and more in a Q&A in The Commons.

SU Closes Gap, Increases Hispanic Graduation Rates

2012-10-23T13:09:44Z

Seattle University is ranked #1 out of private universities nationwide for increasing graduation rates and closing the gap between Hispanic and Caucasian students, according to a recent report from The Education Trust. SU ranks #2 for increasing the overall graduation rate of Hispanic students by 31.7 percent during a six-year period (2004–10). The Caucasian to Hispanic graduation rate gap was 5.3 percent in 2010, compared to 23.2 in 2004.

“Seattle University has a long and distinguished history of being a gateway institution for talented students from a variety of cultural backgrounds,” says Isiaah Crawford, provost. “From the day they step onto our campus, we commit ourselves to their success and graduation from our university. We are very pleased to have our accomplishments with our students recognized in this way by The Education Trust.”

Remembering Dr. Sue Schmitt

2012-10-08T13:48:03Z

Sue Schmitt, EdD, professor and former dean of Seattle University’s College of Education, has died. She was 66. Dr. Schmitt touched many lives during her remarkable career as an administrator, educator and scholar. A scholarship in her name has been established.

Read more about Dr. Schmitt and her life and legacy.

Big Day for Costco Scholars

2012-09-27T12:13:50Z

A crowd of more than 1,000 supporters gathered for the 13th annual Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast in late September. Through the generosity of Costco Wholesale and its many suppliers and business partners, the annual event raised more than $3.1 million for scholarships for underrepresented students at UW and SU.

To date the scholarship breakfast has raised almost $30 million dollars and has benefited more than 1,000 scholars at both institutions. At SU, 600 Costco Scholars have graduated and currently there are 175 recipients of the program on campus.

Ready for Her Closeup

2012-09-11T17:55:16Z

It’s lights, camera, action for Joanne Hughes-Clark, associate professor of physics (College of Science and Engineering), who recently filmed a commercial for Kayak.com. Check out this video clip of the professor discussing her work on the commercial.

Former White House Press Secretary Joins SU

2012-08-23T16:45:54Z

Seattle University names former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan as the Vice President for Communications. McClellan will begin his appointment at the university on September 17, 2012. In his new role McClellan will be responsible for the creation, implementation and oversight of its communications and marketing strategy.

“Scott is an accomplished media specialist and public affairs strategist who brings a wealth of communications experience to our university community,” says Father Sundborg. “We look forward to the many contributions he will make as we continue to elevate our regional, national and international profile.”

McClellan, whose family has a long history in higher education, said he recently started exploring leadership positions at universities for the same reason he first went to work in politics: to serve and make a positive difference in the world.

Read more about McClellan and his new role and watch a video clip taken during a recent trip to campus.

Highly Regarded

2012-08-02T11:40:34Z

Seattle University is once again among the best four-year colleges and universities in the United States, according to the prestigious Fiske Guide to Colleges. SU has previously been featured in the publication, including last year. The university's Jesuit and interreligious ethos, coupled with its leadership in sustainability, seems to be striking a chord with prospective students.

Consulted by millions of prospective students and their families, the guide has selected 319 institutions from more than 2,000 four-year colleges.

According to the publication's news release, the guide includes "the best and most interesting colleges and universities with details on academics, campus setting, student body, financial aid, housing, food, social life, and extracurricular activities."

The Fiske Guide explains its role as this: "So many students approach the college selection process by limiting their sights to local institutions, the pet schools of their parents or guidance counselors, or ones they know by possibly outdated reputations. One of the most important purposes of Fiske Guide to Colleges 2013 … is to broaden students' horizons about American higher education and help them select the right college that coincides with their particular needs, goals, interests, talents and personalities."

Read more about this honor.

New Women’s Crew Coach

2012-07-12T13:50:18Z

Portia McGee, a member of the 2008 USA Olympic team, is the new head coach of women’s crew. A former USRowing Female Athlete of the Year, McGee is a two-time gold medalist and two-time silver medalist at the NCAA National Championships while at Brown University. Prior to coming to SU she was assistant director of development and alumni relations at Seattle’s Bush School.

 A Seattle native, McGee served as assistant coach of the women’s crew program at Brown from 2004-06. 

“Portia is a terrific person to start our women’s rowing program,” said Athletic Director Bill Hogan. “Her Olympic experience in 2008 and long, highly successful rowing career will benefit our student-athletes. The Northwest has many talented rowers and we look forward to Portia building a strong program.”

Read more about Portia McGee here.

Photo by Ken Johnson

Welcome, New Alumni

2012-06-26T16:49:16Z

Seattle University graduates of the class of 2012 celebrated their big achievement—graduating—in style.

Didn't make it to commencement? Check out highlights of Commencement weekend, from the brunch and baccalaureate Mass to the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies, in this photo gallery.

Thanks to SU photographer Chris Joseph Taylor for the shots and to Mike Thee, internal communications editor, for putting it all together.

Building a Better Future

2012-06-14T12:00:45Z

Graduating MBA students are proving that Seattle University does indeed create leaders for a just and humane world.  

The Campaign for the St. Ignatius School in Rwanda is an effort led by MBA students to support the construction of an elementary and secondary school in Rwanda, founded by Jean Baptiste Ganza, S.J., a Rwandan Jesuit at SU and 2012 graduate of the Albers MBA program. Father Ganza, featured in this video clip, has been an inspiration inside and outside the classroom.

Recently, SU MBA students threw a graduation party to celebrate their academic accomplishment and raise awareness—and dollars—to benefit the project. They exceeded their initial goal to raise $15,000 for the school, which will educate 750 students, including Hutus and Tutsis, learning together under one roof. This is an important achievement considering that more than 75 percent of Rwandans live below the poverty line and children, on average, receive just three years of schooling.

To learn more about the school and Fr. Ganza’s efforts, or to contribute, visit the St. Ignatius School Rwanda Campaign.

(Pictured: Father Ganza clutches photos of his family members, many of whom were killed in the Rwandan genocide)

—Maria Zazycki, ’12, contributed to this blog entry

Special Project

2012-06-05T14:26:53Z

Seattle University recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Project Center, a joint venture between the College of Science and Engineering and Albers. Seattle TV station KOMO 4 news did a piece on one of the projects led by S&E’s Christoper Stipe and a team of graduating seniors.

Read more about the Project Center in The Commons and check out the KOMO video here.

Alumni Relations Open House

2012-05-18T17:20:15Z

Alumni, have you checked at your "home away from home" at Seattle University? I'm talking about the A&A Building on the corner of 12th and Marion. Here's your chance to take a tour and mingle with members of the Alumni Relations staff and the campus, and meet future alumni. Alumni Relations is hosting an open house during Senior Week, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 29. While there, check out the new portraits adorning the vestibule, featuring the 2012 Alumni Award winners. And the icing on the cake: Refreshments will be provided. Information: (206) 296-6127.

SU Rules as Green School

2012-05-07T14:57:31Z

Seattle University's leadership in sustainability has been reaffirmed in The Princeton Review's 2012 Guide to 322 Green Colleges. For the second consecutive year, SU is ranked the highest of all 28 Jesuit institutions and tops among 10 independent colleges in Washington.

As was the case last year, SU is also number one among the 12 universities we consider our peer institutions: Santa Clara University; Creighton University; University of Portland; University of San Diego; Loyola University, Maryland; Loyola Marymount University; University of Denver; Gonzaga University; University of San Francisco; University of the Pacific; and Xavier University.

The Princeton Review chose the 322 schools in this guide based on "Green Rating" scores tallied for 2011. The Green Rating is a numerical score from 60-99 that's based on data from a 50-question survey. Seattle University earned a 95, improving upon last year's score of 94.

Of 768 schools for which the Princeton Review tallied Green Rating scores, the 322 schools featured in the guide received scores of 83 or higher.

Welcome Aboard

2012-04-24T15:53:45Z

SU President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., joined a group of government and community leaders, including Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, to break ground on the First Hill street car that will service Broadway and parts of First Hill and Capitol Hill. The street car is expected to start operating in the area in 2014.

Here’s a video clip from the April 23 groundbreaking ceremony.

Elements of Music

2012-04-12T16:28:50Z

Seattle University's Fine Arts department presents two concerts of moving and inspiring music featuring the Seattle University Choirs, under the direction of Joy Sherman and assistant director Lee Peterson.

The spring concert, based on the four elements "Earth, Wind, Water and Fire" are 8 p.m. Friday April 27 and 2 p.m. Sunday April 29 at St. Joseph Church, 18th Ave. East and East Aloha in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.

This year’s concert features choral works inspired by the four elements, with the music of composers including Gustav Holst, Claudio Monteverdi, John Dowland, Morton Lauridsen, Eric Whitacre and Jeffery Ames. The choirs will be joined by harpist Ruth Mar and flutist Noory Kim.

Tickets are $25 for reserved seating, $18 for general admission and $7 for students. Tickets may be purchased from the Fine Arts office on the SU campus, from any member of the Seattle University Choirs, or at the door.

For more information, call the Choirs Concert Information Line at 206-296-5372 or e-mail Lee Peterson. Learn more about the SU Choirs and how you can purchase CDs of their music.

Cool Art

2012-03-29T17:36:51Z

A dramatic new work of art appeared on campus this spring.

Situated in the garden between the second floors of the Student Center and the Library and Learning Commons, the sculpture appears to consist of large ice cubes or blocks of glass.

Created by renowned Seattle-area artist Joe McDonnell, the “ice cube” sculpture consists of about 65 semi-translucent blocks. Each cube is approximately two feet on each side and weighs about five pounds.

Read more about the sculpture in The Commons.

Costco's Sinegal Joins Albers

2012-03-16T18:37:32Z

One of the nation’s most admired business leaders, Costco Wholesale co-founder and retired CEO Jim Sinegal, has joined the Albers School of Business and Economics as its first Senior Executive in Residence.

During his three-year term, Sinegal will serve as a guest speaker for Albers courses, clubs and student organizations. He will mentor students, lead a faculty seminar, assist in developing a case study on Costco and advise on planning for the Albers Executive Speaker Series.

SU President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., calls Sinegal’s residency a great academic opportunity for the campus community, and another act of service by Sinegal to the university.

“Jim has been an extraordinary friend to the university, and now by his residency, our students, faculty and staff will benefit from direct access to one of the true innovators in retailing and global business,” says Sundborg.

Sinegal has supported Seattle University in immeasurable ways. He served on the Board of Trustees for two decades prior to accepting this unpaid faculty appointment and co-chaired the largest capital fundraising campaign in the university’s history. A generous donation from Sinegal and his wife Janet established the Clinical Performance Lab for the College of Nursing. He was the catalyst for creation of the Seattle University Youth Initiative. Last year, SU conferred its most prestigious and highest honor, the St. Ignatius Medal, to Jim and Janet Sinegal in recognition and appreciation for their outstanding leadership, service and support. Sinegal and Costco co-founder Jeff Brotman co-created the Costco Scholarship Fund at SU and the University of Washington. Since its start in 2000, more than 1,000 underrepresented minority students have benefited from the fund.

Alumni Award Winners

2012-02-23T16:07:13Z

Seattle University and Alumni Relations will honor six remarkable individuals—alumni, faculty and friends of the university alike—as 2012 Alumni Award recipients. This year’s winners reflect the impact they have on the lives of those they touch through their work in various industries, in the classroom, in the community and beyond. Here’s a look at this year’s distinguished group:

Alumna of the Year: Martha Choe, ‘87
Martha Choe is Chief Administration Officer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and a dedicated leader in economic and development affairs in the region and across the country. A champion of service to the community and longtime supporter of Seattle University, Choe has gained recognition for work in promoting economic development across the state. In 1996 Newsweek named her as one of their “30 movers and shakers” in Seattle, and in 1990, she was named Woman of the Year by the Seattle Chinese Post.

University Service Award: Julie Woodward, ‘93
Julie Woodward has been the head coach for the women’s soccer team for 15 years, and gone on to lead them to 13 winning seasons. Julie is a former SU Soccer player, and is a member of the Seattle U Athletics Hall of Fame for her time as a player. Her coaching style helps shape determined young athletes and scholars.

Professional Achievement Award: Paul Newman, PhD, ‘78
Dr. Paul A. Newman is a leader in the use of airplanes for atmospheric research, and is a senior scientist in the Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics Branch of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. He studies the earth’s stratosphere, particularly the ozone layer. Paul currently serves as co-chair to the Scientific Assessment Panel to the Montreal Protocol, a landmark international treaty banning ozone-depleting substances to protect the earth’s ozone layer.

Community Service Award: Tricia Trainer, ‘01
Tricia Trainer has been a longstanding volunteer and supporter of the Chief Seattle Club. The Chief Seattle Club is currently the only social service center in Seattle devoted exclusively to meeting the needs of urban American Indians, Alaska Natives, and First Nations People. They currently operate from a shared space, the Lazarus Day Center, during early morning hours, providing a hot meal and access to resources and services in as much of a Native community environment as possible, in the heart of urban Seattle.

Distinguished Teaching Award: Bill Weis, PhD
Bill Weis is currently a faculty member in the Albers School of Business and Economics focused on teaching leadership and team development. Bill is also been a champion of service learning and served as program director of Albers’ MBA program from 1995 to 2009.

Outstanding Recent Alumnus: Rosa Singer, ‘02
Rosa Singer earned her B.A. in Sociology and Spanish from Seattle University in 2002. In 2007 Rosa was selected as a Rotary World Peace Fellow, a competitive award only given out to 70 winners worldwide. She earned her M.A. in International Relations from the Jesuit Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires in 2008. Rosa currently serves as Director for Strategic Partnerships and Alliances at CARE USA, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty with programs in over 72 countries.

The 27th Annual Alumni Awards ceremony is April 17, 2012. Members of the President's Club and Legacy Society will also be recognized at the event. Register for the event and dinner here.

Quadstock Rocks On

2012-02-16T12:51:04Z

Seattle University's annual—and longstanding—music and arts festival, Quadstock, is now award-winning. Quadstock was the recipient of an award for "Best Festival or Fair" presented by Emerald City Applause. The awards honor the best achievements of locally based event experts, nonprofit organizations and wedding and meeting professionals. Here's to another stellar 2012 Quadstock!

Search for Meaning

2012-02-06T12:46:06Z

James Martin, S.J., New York Times best-selling author and frequent guest on The Colbert Report was a keynote speaker at the Search for the Meaning Book Festival, presented by the School of Theology and Ministry. The annual book festival brought out Father Martin, Pulitzer prize-winning author and poet Mary Oliver and more than 40 authors for discussions around issues of spirituality, faith, social justice and theology. Read more about the event here. (Pictured: Guests peruse the books and chat with authors on hand at the Search for the Meaning Book Festival)

Basketball Heats Up

2011-12-12T11:41:00Z

As the weather cools down Redhawks basketball is heating up. And Seattle Met magazine agrees, naming Seattle University’s men’s basketball one of the best tickets in town this winter.
See for yourself when the men play Arkansas State Feb. 4 at 7:10 p.m. at KeyArena at Seattle Center. On Feb. 16 Pepperdine comes to town for a match at KeyArena followed by UC Davis Feb. 20. Get your tickets today.

'Tis the Season

2011-11-28T13:11:23Z

Thanks to everyone who braved the cold for the second annual Christmas tree lighting, presented by Student Development. The event was a success and the tree, in all of its illuminated glory, can be marveled at in front of the Lemieux Library and Learning Commons. Alumni, don't forget the annual Advent Mass and Christmas reception on Sunday, Dec. 11 beginning at 4 p.m. at the Chapel of St. Ignatius. RSVP or call (206) 296-6127 for more information.

Professor of the Year

2011-11-17T12:00:28Z

Professor of the Year Vicky Minderhout, who joined the SU faculty in 1980, implemented in 1997 a new style of teaching that moved away from the traditional lecture-mode to an approach known as “guided inquiry learning.”

Instead of standing at a lectern in the front of the class talking to her students, Minderhout has them learn through small groups and engaging in a vigorous exchange of ideas. With her guidance, students become more invested in the subject matter and develop problem-solving skills that serve them well in their intellectual pursuits and later as professionals. She is the first Seattle University faculty member to receive this honor and one of only 27 faculty chosen nationwide.

Recognizing that other teachers might benefit from this innovative learning style, she has published and presented extensively on the subject. With Associate Professor of Chemistry Jenny Loertscher, Minderhout authored an active learning biochemistry curriculum that is currently being used at 50 other colleges and universities.

“Even as she helps reshape the pedagogy on other campuses throughout the country, Vicky is most generous with her time and expertise here at Seattle University,” says President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., in congratulating Minderhout on this prestigious achievement. “She is as much a mentor to her colleagues as to her students. Her commitment to active learning is a leavening force on our campus and her insight and guidance were particularly crucial in our recent Core revision process.”

Read more about Vicky, her work and the award in The Seattle Times.

Chew On This

2011-11-09T10:26:26Z

Seattle University School of Law brings William Marler, ’87, the country’s most prominent foodborne illness lawyer, to campus Nov. 17 to discuss the importance of food safety. Marler will be joined by Jeff Benedict, author of Poisoned, which documents the fast food e-coli outbreak and Marler's emergence as a food safety expert.

2011 Gala a Smash!

2011-11-01T17:02:33Z

At Seattle University's Annual Gala, SU alumni, faculty, staff, friends and members of the Jesuit community came together to contribute more than $760,000 in support of scholarships for students. The 2011 Gala, chaired by Maureen, '71, and Joel Benoliel, featured the awarding of Seattle University's highest honor, the St. Ignatius medal, to Jim and Janet Sinegal (pictured, center) and music by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Learn more about the St. Ignatius Medal, including past winners, and see a photo gallery of the event.

Pictured: President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., and Betty Woods, chair of the Board of Trustees (far right), stand with St. Ignatius Medal recipients Jim and Janet Sinegal. (Photo by Chris Joseph Taylor)

Shhh! Silent Retreat

2011-10-25T16:28:42Z

Looking for a quiet weekend retreat? The Ignatian Three-Day Silent Retreat is an experience that provides prayer, reflection, individual spiritual direction and community. There are spots open for alumni who want to participate in this retreat, Nov. 11-13, 2012.
The Office of Jesuit Mission and Identity and Magis: Alumni Committed for Mission are co-sponsoring the Ignatian Three-Day Silent Retreat at the Palisades Retreat Center in Federal Way. There are only a few spots left so sign up today. For more information and to RSVP contact Magis.

Get Your Alumni Award Nominations In

2011-10-18T17:01:26Z

It’s no secret that Seattle University alumni make a difference while making amazing things happen in their communities, cities and worldwide. Every year since 1984 Alumni Relations has recognized and honored the work and accomplishments of many distinguished alumni with Alumni Awards. 

The incredible work of our alumni communicates the excellence of an SU education and the importance of empowering leaders for a just and humane world.
Alumni Relations is accepting nominations for the 2012 Alumni Awards, which will be bestowed during a dinner and ceremony in spring. 

Categories are:  
Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award: Presented for outstanding leadership and service to the community and to Seattle University (The 2011 winner was Betty Petri Hedreen, '57, pictured here with President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., and Sean Henderson, president of the Alumni Board of Governors)
 Professional Achievement Award: Presented for outstanding achievement in the professional arena 
Distinguished Teaching Award: Presented to a Seattle University faculty member who has made a special contribution to students 
University Service Award: Presented for outstanding service to the university (alumni and non-alumni eligible) 
Community Service Award: Presented for exceptional service to the community through volunteer or professional activities  
Outstanding Recent Alumnus/Alumna Award: Presented to an alum who graduated in last 10 years, for outstanding leadership and service to the community and to Seattle University 

Nominations are due by Dec. 15, 2011. Get more information and a nomination form here.

Preseason Honor for Men's Basketball Coach Dollar

2011-10-07T11:03:41Z

CollegeSportsMadness.com named men’s basketball coach Cameron Dollar, entering his third season with the Redhawks, Preseason Independent Coach of the Year. Head coach Dollar has collected 28 victories during his first two seasons at Seattle University. 

Jarell Flora was tabbed as the Preseason Independent Freshman of the Year. Flora redshirted during the 2010–11 season, practicing with the team but not appearing in a regular season contest. His quickness and ability to move the ball will be key for the SU offense to succeed this season.

The Redhawks placed two players on both the Preseason All-Independent First Team and Second Team. Senior forward Aaron Broussard and sophomore guard Sterling Carter received first team recognition. Broussard led the team last season with 14.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, while Carter was second in scoring at 13.8 points per game and made 85 three-pointers during the year, third most in school history.

Senior guard Cervante Burrell and junior guard Prince Obasi earned second team recognition. Burrell led the team in assists, averaging 3.5 assists per game, while scoring 10.9 points per game during the 2010-11 season. Obasi is a transfer from Saddleback Community College, leading the team to the semifinals of the CCCAA Championships.

The SU men’s basketball team is preparing for the 2011–12 season, which will begin with an exhibition game Nov. 12, against Pacific Lutheran beginning at 7:10 p.m. at KeyArena at Seattle Center. Season tickets are available now. Contact the SU Athletics Ticket Office at (206) 398-GOSU. Single game tickets will be available starting Oct. 10 through Ticketmaster.

Alumni Award Nominees Sought

2011-09-22T17:40:31Z

Categories are:  
Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award: Presented for outstanding leadership and service to the community and to Seattle University
 Professional Achievement Award: Presented for outstanding achievement in the professional arena 
Distinguished Teaching Award: Presented to a Seattle University faculty member who has made a special contribution to students 
University Service Award: Presented for outstanding service to the university (alumni and non-alumni eligible) 
Community Service Award: Presented for exceptional service to the community through volunteer or professional activities  
Outstanding Recent Alumnus/Alumna Award: Presented to an alum who graduated in last 10 years, for outstanding leadership and service to the community and to Seattle University 

Nominations are due by Dec. 15, 2011. Get more information and nomination form here.

SU Ranks High in U.S. News

2011-09-16T14:14:36Z

Seattle University once again ranks among top regional universities in the West, according to today’s U.S. News and World Report "America’s Best Colleges 2012."

Placing sixth in the 2012 report, makes this the 11th consecutive year SU has achieved a spot in the top 10 rankings of “America’s Best Colleges” offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs. The prestigious academic ranking coincides with widespread recognition of the university’s significant achievements in academic excellence, campus experience, athletics and commitment to service and social justice as a Jesuit Catholic university.

The university also recently ranked number one in the Sierra Club’s “Cool Schools” survey for most environmentally friendly food, ninth in the nation for its contributions to the public good on Washington Monthly’s list and among the top 25 private institutions in The Fiske Guide’s “Best Buy” schools based on high academic ratings, affordability and quality of student life on campus.

“We’re honored to have others recognize the great work our university continues to do," says Provost Isiaah Crawford.
U.S. News rankings are based on a variety of factors such as freshmen retention, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio and how favorably a school is regarded by administrators at peer institutions.

For more information about the rankings, visit U.S. News & World Report.

Worthy Investment

2011-09-06T14:43:29Z

Alumnus Jeffrey Morrison is looking for volunteers this fall to participate in the Invest in Youth tutoring program. Participants are paired with an elementary school student in grades 3-5 to work with throughout the school year.

Morrison, who works in the King County Prosecutor’s Office and is a longtime tutor in the program, says this program is a great way for alumni to give back to the community and make a significant impact with a minimal time commitment—tutors need to commit to one hour a week. Of his experience in the Invest in Youth program Morrison, who is a tutor at Bailey Gatzert Elementary School near the SU campus, says, “It is an extremely rewarding experience knowing you are able to make a difference in another person's life."

Orientation is Sept. 26 with tutoring starting Oct. 2. Learn more about the program and read testimonials from tutors and students and become a tutor.

Rwandan Jesuit Inspires Others

2011-08-29T15:17:27Z

In the fall issue of Seattle University Magazine, our cover story is on Father Jean Baptiste Ganza, a Jesuit priest and MBA student (soon to be an alumnus) at Seattle University. Father Ganza’s inspirational story of surviving the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and his focus on improving the education of Rwandan students is a must-read.

Father Ganza is raising money to build a Jesuit-run secondary school in Rwanda, set to open in 2012. This follows his success in raising funding to build and operate an elementary school that today is attended by more than 300 students in Rwanda.

“Since Rwanda is deprived of natural resources, a good education is the best heritage we can pass to future generations of young Rwandans,” he says.

Check out the fall issue, out in mid-September, and online in the coming weeks for more on Father Ganza and his remarkable work in Rwanda.

Father Ganza poses with youth from Mercer Island, Wash., who will travel with him to Rwanda in December to help build the secondary school.

Call to Service

2011-08-18T10:44:01Z

Alumni are invited to attend a veterans networking night, Oct. 11, 6–9 p.m. at Casey Commons (5th floor of the Casey Building at SU.)

While student veterans are older than the general student population, they have proven skills in leadership, teamwork and many other qualities that employers seek. By choosing to continue their education at Seattle University, student veterans are preparing themselves for continued leadership in the public and private sectors. The Seattle University Veterans Committee (SUVC) is seeking to facilitate networking between local businesses and alumni veterans who can provide valuable guidance to current veteran students.

The SUVC is comprised of students and university faculty that have served in the military. Participants are involved in activities on campus and in the community that encompass community service, professional development, camaraderie and holistic support to veterans.

For more information, e-mail Adam Tousely, the SUVC representative, at tousleya@seattleu.edu.

Alumna Air Force Scholar

2011-08-11T12:51:14Z

Congratulations to alumna Jane Purdy, ’08, who has been awarded a prestigious Air Force Professions Scholarship. As a recipient of the scholarship Purdy, a former standout softball player at Seattle University, will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps.

The two-year scholarship will cover tuition, books, equipment, fees and provide a monthly stipend for Purdy as she studies to become an optometrist.

“I am really proud of Jane and very excited about her future endeavors,” says Dan Powers. “She left her mark on SU softball and I have no doubt she will continue to do great things for our country through her opportunity with the Air Force.”

Each recipient of the scholarship is commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps, where they are placed on inactive obligated reserve status during their final two years of optometry school. After graduating, Purdy will attend Commissioned Officer’s Training as a captain and then be on active duty as an optometrist in the Air Force.

Read more about Jane at www.seattleu.edu/news/.

Name Brand

2011-08-02T12:23:28Z

The secret is out. Seattle University is number two among colleges and universities in the state for “most respected brands,” as chosen by the Puget Sound Business Journal.  In PSBJ’s list of “Washington’s Most Respected Brands,” SU ties for second with Washington State University and is the highest ranked independent institution to make the list. The ranking is based on a survey of more than 1,000 readers, who voted for top brands in various categories. The results were published this week in the publication’s first-ever “Battle of the Brands.”

Best Bang for Your Buck

2011-07-28T13:44:57Z

In the 2012 Fiske Guide to Colleges, just released, Seattle University has been named a “Best Buy” school for best value among 49 colleges and universities nationwide. The Fiske Guide groups the rated schools—24 public and 25 private—into four price categories ranging from inexpensive to very expensive and recommends schools that offer outstanding academics at a moderate cost.
All of the “Best Buy” schools fall into the inexpensive to moderate price range and the majority have four- or five-star ratings when it comes to academics, according to the Fiske Guide.

Change Has Come

2011-07-03T14:55:58Z

It’s arrived. As you peruse this new and improved Seattle University Magazine online site I hope you like what we’ve done.

The site is more dynamic, with larger photos and graphical elements, easy-to-read and access stories and more ways for you to engage with the magazine, the alumni community and the university as a whole. Some new features include this blog, penned by me, that will have new entries weekly. Class Notes and obituaries will be updated regularly and you can submit your own updates to Class Notes via the link on this site.

“Talking Points” poses a question that I hope you will take a moment to weigh in on. Your input is important to me and may be used in a future story or inclusion in the print and online editions of the magazine. Fresh content, stories and photos, will be added to this site often—including photo galleries, video, extended stories and more—so be sure to bookmark this site and check back often. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

As is the case with the print edition of Seattle University Magazine, the online version is a work in progress. We will be making further refinements and adding more design elements and robust content in the weeks and months ahead.

Tell me what you think. Share your thoughts on the site and suggestions for improvements, as well as story ideas. Send me an e-mail at sumagazine@seattleu.edu.

And as always, thanks for reading.