Alumni Blog

As we approach Veteran’s Day, we would like to highlight some of the contributions that Veterans provide to our communities. Check out the following opportunities to listen to stories, get involved in veteran groups or attend events that support or highlight the contributions that veterans have made to our communities.

Join the Veteran’s and Military Alumni Group for an intimate conversation with Elis Salamone, on Thursday, October 17 as she tells her personal story of failure and how a change in perspective continues to help her reach her goals. Elis Salamone is an award-winning, board-certified woman’s health nurse practitioner and retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. Elis has completed two deployments. During her first tour, she was the officer in charge of a team of 25 medics/nurses. She served with Army Special Forces in her second tour in Afghanistan. Since retiring from the military, Elis continues to work as a nurse practitioner at the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority and is a speaker, educator, mentor and advocate across Washington State.

Interested in making a connection with the Seattle U military and veteran community? The Veteran and Military Alumni group is dedicated to strengthening a diverse, inclusive, and belonging group for [PC1] veterans, military and dependent alumni. Get connected with other military and veteran SU alumni through educational events, socials and service-oriented activities. Reach out to Bianca Galam at galamb@seattleu.edu for more information.

Finally, Homecoming festivities are taking place over Veteran’s Day weekend where we will be honoring our veterans and expressing our gratitude for their service at the following events.

• Homecoming Day of Service Breakfast
• Robert Bennedsen Veterans Day 5K
• Homecoming Rally and Redfest
• Homecoming Basketball Game

As Brian Gonzales, '00, owner of PAIRODIME, a technology, marketing and design company, reflects on his experience at Seattle University you get the sense that all the big and small opportunities he gained while at SU have contributed to his personal and professional journey.

“One of the things that got me excited about the campus was the culture. Getting to attend a school that is grounded in a Catholic background and located in the Pacific Northwest was a great choice for my family,” said Gonzales. As a student on campus Brian was involved in student council, worked at the radio station, drew political cartoons for the Spectator and was involved in several student organizations. The liberal arts education he received while at SU allowed him to explore different academic subjects all through the ethical lens of the human experience. “The most rewarding part of my education were all the different opportunities that SU had to offer,” said Gonzales.

Brian’s outgoing nature combined with his diverse educational background laid the groundwork for him to own his own digital consulting company. “It’s so important to develop the total human. Because of my education at Seattle U, I can chameleon myself into anything my clients need,” said Gonzales.

Brian’s passion for networking, growing community and helping to build the Portland Chapter led to his involvement in the Uncommon Impact: Portland reception. He will be creating a unique and inclusive experience for those who are unable to attend the reception by livestreaming the event. Check out the livestream on our Seattle U Alumni Association Facebook page on Thursday, October 10 at 6 p.m. “I am excited about the livestream event for Portland! It’s a great way to engage with people utilizing popular social media platforms,” says Gonzales. Register here to meet other Seattle University Portland Chapter community members at the Uncommon Impact: Portland reception. 

Other Uncommon Impact Reception Sites:

• Hawaii
• Los Angeles
• Eastside Puget Sound
• Tacoma
• Bay Area, CA
• Spokane