by Dave Anderson, S.J.
Recent graduate Tess Abrahamson-Richards, seen here at commencement with President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., will spend the next two years working with Teach for America.
Chris Joseph Taylor
Each spring, Seattle University's
Jesuit community
has the opportunity to host
a breakfast for graduating
seniors who will be working with
volunteer service organizations such as
the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and Peace
Corps. This fall, recent graduates will
be serving one or two years in locations
such as Port au Prince, Haiti, Boston,
El Salvador, Washington, D.C., and
Nicaragua. They will volunteer in
orphanages, homeless shelters and
L'Arche communities.
"I feel very fortunate to have come to know
many students … who arrive at SU open and
eager to the many experiences they will have
both in and out of the classroom."
- Dave Anderson, S.J.
One recent graduate who will do
service is Tess Abrahamson-Richards,
who grew up on the Spokane Indian
Reservation. Tess, a Costco Scholar
and recipient of the President's Award
for the highest GPA in her class, will
spend the next two years with Teach
for America on the Navajo Indian
Reservation in New Mexico.
When I look back over this past
year, I feel very fortunate to have
come to know many students such as
Tess who arrive at SU open and eager
to the many experiences they will have
both in and out of the classroom.
They attend their classes, listen to
their professors, read their textbooks,
prepare for exams, write papers and
form lifelong friendships. There is an
understanding that their education is
not just about them as individuals and
what they can gain. They are aware
of the gifts and talents God has given
them, appreciate how valuable their
education is and want to do their best
in making a difference in our world.
As Jesus responded to the needs of
the people who asked for his healing,
he knew he needed the support and
help from his family, friends and
community. He invited co-workers
or disciples to help him in healing,
teaching and reconciling.
As followers of Jesus, we, too, are
his disciples and co-worker's. And
we are fortunate to be able to join
Tess and other members of our Seattle
University family—alumni, faculty,
staff, students and friends—who, in
service to others, are building a just
and humane world.
—Dave Anderson
Father Anderson is university chaplain for alumni.