The Commons: A gathering place for Seattle University faculty and staff

Casey Corr, director of strategic communication, sent in this photo with the following description: "University Photographer Chris Joseph Taylor discovers horizontal rain in Wednesday’s heavy storm."

Surrounded by well-wishers, Rahwa Habte, was named the inaugural recipient of the Red Winged Leadership Award on May 13. The award, which honors individuals who demonstrate leadership, business acumen and positive social impact, was created by a class of graduate students in Albers. Habte is co-owner of the restaurant Hidmo Eritrean Cuisine in Seattle’s Central District. Thanks to an anonymous corporate donor, Habte received a $3,000 gift, and finalists Dylan Higgins and Linda Ruthruff received $1,000 each. Habte also was awarded a free consultation by Albers students. Read more about the Red Winged Leadership Award.

Cinda Johnson, assistant professor and special education program director in the College of Education, and her daughter, Linea Johnson, ’10, are active volunteers with BringChange2Mind, a mental health anti-stigma and awareness campaign initiated by actress Glenn Close. The Johnsons met Close last month at the “Change a Mind, Change a Life” event in St. Louis, which was co-sponsored by BringChange2Mind and the Karla Smith Foundation. The following night Close threw out the first pitch at Busch Stadium before the St. Louis Cardinals took on the N.Y. Mets. Proceeds from the game went to the BringChange2Mind campaign. The game lasted 20 innings! Cinda and Linea spent the last 12 innings with Close discussing health issues while keeping an eye on the game. Linea graduated from SU in December with a bachelor's degree in creative writing. She writes a blog for BringChange2Mind, which has nearly 12,000 Facebook members.

Thank you, Jodi Kelly, associate dean of Matteo Ricci College, for this nice shot, which appropriately enough, she sent in during the monthlong Bike Commute Challenge. Do you have a photo or video of SU's campus you'd like to share with us? Send it to theem@seattleu.edu.

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Casey Corr, director of strategic communication, sent in this shot of the signage being added to the law school's new annex on Columbia St., between 12th and 13th Avenues. Casey wrote, "A new sign of growth at Seattle University's School of Law." Read more about the new annex, which opens this month.