Alumni Blog

Each year our SU Advantage Networking Nights address topics important to the professional development of our alumni. This April’s topic not only presents an opportunity for personal and professional growth, but it is incredibly timely as well. Natasha Martin, J.D., Seattle University’s new Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, will present “Harnessing the Power of our Differences: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion.”

Dr. Martin will engage participants in a discussion on the value of authentic engagement in a multicultural society. Bring an open mindset to discover why individual context matters and how embracing difference holds promise for living, learning and working inclusively. Leave with increased awareness and ideas to enhance personal and professional endeavors.

In a recent Spectator article exploring the role of Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Martin said, “I think it’s really important for people to understand that what we’re trying to do is to create and sustain a context, the environmental conditions for all of us to thrive—for everyone to feel welcome, valued, respected and to find their place in the institution.”

In the same article, Dr. Martin explained that although she is centered as the anchor, there is a crucial partnership with all stakeholders in order to make a true shift in the climate and culture of the university, a lesson that can be applied to all organizations and individuals striving to make a similar change.

Following Dr. Martin’s presentation, alumni will have the opportunity to network and reflect on the topics addressed.

SU Advantage Networking Night
“Harnessing the Power of our Differences: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion”
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
5:30– 8:00 p.m.
LeRoux Room, Student Center 160

Reserve your tickets to the next SU Advantage here.

About Our Speaker:

Appointed by President Sundborg in September 2017, Natasha Martin is the inaugural Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion. From 2014-2016, Professor Martin served as co-chair of the university-wide President’s Task Force on Diversity and Inclusive Excellence. Professor Martin’s leadership experience also includes three years of service as Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development in the School of Law and 15 years as a faculty member, where she focuses on Employment Discrimination, Advanced Topics in Employment Discrimination, Professional Responsibility and Torts.

A dynamic and engaging speaker, Professor Martin is passionate about fostering community dialogues on diversity and inclusion matters. Dedicated to broad notions of inclusivity, Professor Martin was appointed twice to the Washington State Gender and Justice Commission and was named to Lawyers of Color’s 50 Under 50 List of minority law professors making an impact in legal education in the 2014 Law School Diversity Issue.

April is a big month for students and alumni from Hawaii. Every Seattle U alum from Hawaii remembers Luau, a popular celebration hosted by the Hawaii Club, for students and alumni. This April, alumni in Hawaii are celebrating the relaunch of the Hawaii Alumni Chapter.

Ask any Seattle U student what the longest running club on campus is and they are likely to say the Hawaii Club. Also known as Hui O Nani, this tight knit club describes itself as “a place for those from the islands to call their ‘home away from home’" and a place for those interested in Hawaii to understand and learn what the Aloha State is all about.” But how did one of Seattle University’s longest running clubs get its start? To get the answer, we asked Elliott Chamizo, ’66.

Elliott has long been an important part of the SU community. “In 1961 there were about eighteen of us from Hawaii at Seattle University. We were the first large group from Hawaii to come to SU and we decided it was time to start a club.”

According to Elliott, with the help and guidance of Seattle U’s Hiking Club, the group put in their request and developed a charter for the new club. By 1962 the group was organizing its first Luau.

“Seattle U didn’t have a big venue at the time, so we went off campus to the Knights of Columbus Hall up the street from campus.” The Hawaii Club students decorated the hall and had food flown in from relatives in Honolulu. “We had a real pig prepared by Islanders who lived in the Seattle area,” Elliott recalled.  “We had a great turn out. 150-200 people came out to the first luau. It was such a success that we kept having it year after year.” Luau, usually hosted in early May, quickly became an annual event the entire campus community looked forward to.

A few years ago, the club celebrated its 50th anniversary. Then club president, Keenan Kurihara, invited the founding members back to campus to celebrate. “About 15 of us returned and shared the history of the club and the founding of it.”

Despite returning to Hawaii after graduation, Seattle U has left its mark on Elliott. “I was definitely impacted by the Jesuit charism and the idea of community service.” A long-time teacher at Maryknoll High School in Honolulu, Elliott encouraged many future Redhawks to attend Seattle U, including Kurihara.

Despite annual visits by Seattle U in the past, there has not been an active alumni chapter in Hawaii until now. The Hawaii Alumni Chapter leadership committee consists of co-presidents Jennel Sesoko, ’08, and Brandi Yamauchi, ’12, events chair Jeanie Sohn, ’06, and communication chair Keenan Kurihara, ‘16.

According to the chapter’s presidents, “There's something special and unforgettable about those college years at Seattle University.  Whether it be the luau, life in the dorms, Quadstock or creating those lifelong friendships, we all have a connection to Seattle U.  From service projects to social events, the Hawaii Alumni Chapter provides alumni an opportunity to connect, engage and foster that same sense of community right here in Hawaii.”

So whether you’re in Seattle longing for your time on the islands or you’re in Hawaii missing Seattle, with Luau on April 28 and the newly formed Hawaii Alumni Chapter, there’s something for everyone.

Visit the Hawaii Chapter Facebook page to learn about how you can get involved in the Hawaii Alumni Chapter.