Alumni Blog

Originally from Nepal, BJ Giri, ‘86, came to Seattle University on a scholarship to pursue a degree in engineering. “My father had previously worked in the Northwest and really wanted me to go to school here,” said Giri. While attending Seattle U he connected with his professors and was involved in several intramural sports. “SU is great! I loved living and working as an RA in the dorms because it allowed me to meet lots of different people from all over the world,” said Giri.

When it was time for his daughter, Cymran, to explore colleges, he suggested that she look at Seattle University. “It’s always great to have your kids follow in your footsteps. I told her it was a great school and I really enjoyed being there, and now, I think she does too,” said Giri.

“My dad encouraged me to look into Seattle University. He told me he got really close to his professors and was able to talk to them about more than education. I thought that was awesome! I knew that I wanted that experience, too,” said Cymran, ‘22. Throughout her first year at SU, she enjoyed participating in thought-provoking discussions in theology class and connecting with faculty members providing her the same Seattle U experience she had always heard from her father.

Last year, their family attended the Legacy Family Celebration where Cymran, as a freshman, was pinned as a legacy student. “It was really cool to see a diverse group of families and all the different generations,” said Cymran. This year, she will have the opportunity to tell her story and what it means to be a part of a legacy family.

Are you a member of multigenerational Seattle U family? Celebrate your family’s SU tradition with us by attending the Legacy Family Celebration.

Friday, October 25
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Campion Ballroom

• REGISTER TO ATTEND THE LEGACY FAMILY CELEBRATION

On Tuesday, President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., introduced The Campaign for the Uncommon Good, the largest campaign in Seattle University’s history, with a goal of $275 million. We enter the public phase of the campaign having raised $250 million from more than 20,000 donors. Now we invite our 83,000 alumni and the broader Seattle U community to engage with us and the campaign that will equip our students with the knowledge, purpose and experience necessary to fearlessly build a better future for all.

The Campaign for the Uncommon Good supports construction of the new Center for Science & Innovation, scholarships and mission-driven programs such as mental health support for students, service learning and maintaining the Jesuit character of the university.

The Seattle University Alumni Association will be focused on engaging our alumni to volunteer, attend events, participate in chapter and affinity group programs, serve as an ambassador for SU Gives or mentor students.

We will be officially launching the campaign to the public over Homecoming Weekend November 6-10. Alumni, families and friends of the university are invited to enjoy lectures, reunions, Homecoming Day of Service, the Red Umbrella Parade, alumni mass, the Redhawk Redfest Rally and Homecoming basketball game.

In addition to Homecoming, the Alumni Association is hitting the road for The Uncommon Impact Tour. We will be visiting Portland, Honolulu, Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Spokane, Tacoma and the Puget Sound Eastside. At these events, you will hear from President Sundborg, S.J., and other Seattle U dignitaries about The Campaign for Uncommon Good and continue to build the SU community in those areas. We hope to strengthen our existing regional chapters and build new ones where they don’t currently exist. If you are interested in helping to build your region’s chapter, contact the SU Alumni Association.

With The Campaign for the Uncommon Good, we will amplify the good we’re already doing and expand into areas where we can have the broadest and most enduring impact. Our time is now to empower champions for a just, inclus