Seattle University Alumni News and Events
January 2008
In this issue:
- SU's campaign to go public with address by noted humanitarian and author
- SU writer-in-residence is Washington State's first-ever Poet Laureate
- Jesuits convene to elect new leader
- Upcoming events
SU's campaign to go public with address by noted humanitarian and author
Seattle University will mark the opening of the public phase of its fund-raising campaign, "For the Difference We Make," on April 10. The event will "highlight the outstanding progress we have made in the campaign thus far," says Mary Kay McFadden, vice president for University Advancement. Speaking at the event will be Greg Mortenson, who was selected, "because he embodies the same commitment to professional competence and social justice that we strive to inspire in our students," says McFadden. "That's what the campaign is all about - supporting SU students, faculty, staff and alumni so they, in turn, can make a difference in our community."
Greg Mortenson has established 58 schools in some of the most dangerous regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. It was after a 1993 climb on Pakistan's K2, the world's second highest mountain, that Mortenson was inspired to promote educational opportunities, especially for girls. He recounted the experience in his 2007 book, Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission To Promote Peace... One School At A Time, which he co-authored with David Oliver Relin. Tom Brokaw called the award-winning Three Cups of Tea, "... proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, really can change the world."
SU writer-in-residence is Washington State's first-ever poet laureate
Samuel Green, Seattle University writer-in-residence, was named the first poet laureate in the history of Washington State by Gov. Chris Gregoire in December. The honor was established by the Legislature last year. As the Washington State Poet Laureate, Green will serve a two-year term and build awareness and appreciation of poetry through public readings, workshops, lectures and presentations. Green was profiled in the Spring 2004 issue of Seattle University Magazine.
Jesuits convene to elect new leader
Approximately 225 delegates met in Rome this week for the start of the 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus. The primary purpose of the gathering is to elect a successor to Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., who is stepping down after serving 25 years as the order's superior general. The election is set for Jan. 18.
"Fr. Kolvenbach has deepened our commitment to the poor and made it possible for Seattle University to move forward with a mission that directly links faith and justice," said SU Vice President for Mission and Ministry Patrick Howell, S.J., who attended the last congregation in 1995. "He has also made great strides in fostering more inter-religious dialogue."
Upcoming events
January
Seattle Symphony Orchestra at Seattle University
Wednesday, Jan. 16, 11 a.m. to noon, Seattle University Pigott Auditorium
Alumni are invited to a free event on campus with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra featuring Quinton Morris, concert violinist and SU director of instrumental music, and Carolyn Kuan, associate director of the Seattle Symphony. A reception will follow the performance. Co-sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Fine Arts, Office of the President and University Advancement. To register for the event, e-mail uaevents@seattleu.edu or call (206) 296-2580.
Spirituality on Tap: Unearthing Our Deepest Desires
Thursday, Jan. 17, 6:45 to 8:30 p.m., Seattle University Chapel of St. Ignatius
Join us for a prayerful evening of reflection and interactive dialogue about discovering our deepest longing and desires and how we may go about uncovering them. The evening is open to all, especially young alumni in their 20s and 30s. Co-sponsored by the Ignatian Spirituality Center and Magis: Alumni Committed for Mission. For more information, contact Magis at (206) 296-2637 or e-mail magis@seattleu.edu.
The Shame of Mirrors: Making Whiteness Visible
Thursday, Jan. 17, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Seattle University Pigott Auditorium
The College of Education invites alumni to a special presentation by Shakti Butler, executive director of World Trust Educational Services. Admission is free. To register, e-mail butler_event@seattleu.edu or call (206) 296-5780.
Community Engagement in Leadership: Understanding the Community You Serve
Friday, Jan. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Seattle University Student Center 160, LeRoux Conference Room
The Master of Public Administration and Executive Master of Nonprofit Leadership programs invite alumni to the first "Service in Action Seminar" of the new year, featuring Merica Whitehall, assistant director of SU's Children Literacy Project in the College of Education. Whitehall will discuss how community engagement can increase organization-wide effectiveness in delivering mission-centered, customer-focused programs and services. For registration information, contact Danielle Potter at potterd@seattleu.edu or call (206) 296-5440.
Albers School of Business and Economics Executive Speaker Series
Thursday, Jan. 24, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Seattle University Pigott Auditorium
Join us for a discussion featuring Martin Coles, chief operating officer of Starbucks. For more information, contact the Albers School at (206) 296-5700.
International Student Center's Annual International Dinner
Saturday, Jan. 26, 6 to 10 p.m., Seattle University Campion Ballroom
Alumni are invited to join the Seattle University community in celebrating diversity at ISC’s annual event. For ticket information, contact ISC at (206) 296-6260 or e-mail isc@seattleu.edu.
The Loyola Medal: A Public Lecture with John Caputo
Tuesday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m., Seattle University Pigott Auditorium
Alumni are invited to the public awarding of the Loyola Medal to John Caputo, the Thomas J. Watson Professor of Religion and Humanities at Syracuse University in New York, for his contributions to Catholic intellectual life. Caputo will present the 2007-08 Faith and the Great Ideas Guest Lecture, "On Forgiveness: What Would Jesus Deconstruct?" Sponsored by the Faith and the Great Ideas Academic Program, the lecture is free and open to the public; a reception and book signing will immediately follow the presentation. For more information, contact Michael Andrews, associate dean of Matteo Ricci College and director of the Faith and the Great Ideas Academic Program, at mandrews@seattleu.edu or call (206) 296-5470.
February
Washington, D.C., Regional Alumni, Parents and Friends Reception
Saturday, Feb. 2, 6 to 8 p.m., Odeon Cafe, Washington, D.C.
Join alumni and friends living in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas to learn the latest on SU news. For more information, contact Alumni Relations at (206) 296-6127.
Labor of Love (a local service opportunity for alumni)
Saturday, Feb. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., City of Seattle
Join alumni and current students in volunteer opportunities in local neighborhoods. Lunch will be provided, and children of alumni, 10 years and older, are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Magis: Alumni Committed for Mission at (206) 296-2637 or e-mail magis@seattleu.edu.
Alumni Downtown Breakfast
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 6:30 to 9 a.m., The Harbor Club Seattle
Join alumni and friends in a lively conversation with Tod Leiweke, CEO of the Seattle Seahawks, and staff guest speaker Bill Hogan, director of Seattle University Athletics. Space is limited. Cost: $25. Register online or call Alumni Relations at (206) 296-6127.
Black Student Union's 15th Annual Umoja Ball
Friday, Feb. 15, Doors open at 7 p.m., Seattle University Campion Ballroom
Annual celebration of African/African-American culture and heritage featuring soul food, a keynote speaker, entertainment and a social dance. For more information, e-mail BSU co-president Johnathan Meade at meadej@seattleu.edu.
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