The COVID-19 pandemic remains a rapidly evolving situation with changes occurring by the hour and day. As we seek to care for and support one another, it is also a time to remain connected as a community even as we must do so digitally, through social media and from a distance.
We want to share with you Seattle University’s response and ways you can support students facing unanticipated financial challenges during this tenuous time. In all cases, we remain committed to putting the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and entire university community first. We are acting according to public health guidance to increase social distancing and help slow the spread of the virus.
Yesterday Father Steve shared an inspiring reflection with SU faculty and staff on how Jesuit education can make a difference in a time of crisis. Here is a quote from his letter:
“We are adopting the measures we are taking not only for the well-being of our students and ourselves, but doing our part—a significant one—to decrease the contagion of the disease for the sake of all people and especially for the more vulnerable and the poor. This “why” of promoting the common good is the most important value of our Jesuit commitment to justice rooted in faith and needs to be communicated at this time.”
Updates for our Alumni
As you may have heard, classes will be conducted entirely through virtual instruction through spring quarter. To see additional decisions and ongoing updates, please visit our COVID-19 website.
Many university events for alumni have been cancelled or postponed, including remaining Uncommon Impact Tour stops in the Bay Area and Spokane, the 35th Annual Alumni Awards and the Albers Crab Feed. The Crab Feed auction is moving online beginning April 3.
We are using this opportunity to examine and enhance our virtual communities and online offerings so we stay connected at a time when we need to more than ever. Please join the relevant Seattle University online communities that apply to you and our main social media channels Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Uncommon Care in Uncommon Times
Many of our alumni have asked how they can help. We ask you to consider doing what you can to support students who have been impacted financially by the COVID-19 crisis by making a gift to the Seattle University Student Emergency Needs Fund. The fund helps students struggling with access to food, housing, and other financial burdens during the pandemic. Gifts to the Student Emergency Needs Fund, regardless of size, will enable Seattle U to ensure that our students have the resources they need during this extraordinarily challenging time.
With so many lives upended by the COVID-19 outbreak, there are many ways we can all contribute to making our communities stronger. Follow us on our social media channels for ideas on how to make a difference where you live. Thank you for your dedication to our mission, to our students and to our broader community.