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

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.