Valedictorian with a Passion for Equity...and Poetry

As a recipient of the Archbishop Raymond G. Huntausen Award, Erin Kwan, ’26, had the honor of delivering a valedictorian speech at this year’s Graduate Commencement at Climate Pledge Arena.

For Kwan, the experience was “an astounding once in a lifetime opportunity” albeit intimidating. A graduate of the Student Development Administration master’s program, Kwan was a senior advisor in the Office of Prestigious Fellowships and Awards at SU and also a consultant with the Fulbrighters with Disabilities chapter, where she supported efforts to develop application resources that reduce barriers for neurodivergent applicants.

Ultimately her career goals include working to support historically underrepresented and underserved students in higher education spaces.

In this Q&A Kwan shares their favorite professors, advice for incoming students and summer plans that involve a trip to the South of France.

Name: Erin Kwan
Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Student Development Administration (MA)
Hometown: Camas, WA

What made you decide to attend Seattle University?
I was drawn to Seattle University for its small class sizes, Jesuit mission and location in the heart of Seattle. Once I stepped foot on campus, I fell in love with the mellow atmosphere on the main walkways that quickly evolves into a buzzy energy when you enter a classroom or engage in discussion with a classmate.

What have you liked best about Seattle University?
I love the way programs intentionally design experiences to bolster the student experience on and off campus. Whether it’s curricular design within the classroom or programming from student support and student life offices, there are always resources, events and opportunities for engagement. My grad program’s cohort model was formative in my experience. I loved being able to collaborate with like-minded peers.

How did you feel about winning a Student Excellence Award?
I am deeply touched and humbled to have been selected as the graduate student Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen Award recipient. Archbishop Hunthausen was a phenomenal human being who truly lived out the values of the Jesuit mission and set a sterling example of what it is to be a person for and with others. The Hunthausen Award recipient has the privilege of delivering the valedictory address at Commencement, which is an astounding once in a lifetime opportunity, and pretty intimidating. I do not take this award lightly and I am grateful for the opportunity to carry Archbishop Hunthausen’s legacy with me.

What would be your advice to incoming students?
Don’t be afraid to try new things—you never know who you will meet, what you will learn and how you will grow!

What are your hobbies or what do you like to do for fun?
I am a hobby artist, so I try to make time for painting, printmaking and doodling and I dabble in fiber arts and spoon carving. Poetry has always had a special place in my heart and I’ve challenged myself to write 52 poems this year, one for each week. Travelling is a consistent source of inspiration to me, so I make a concerted effort to get out into the world, see new things, have new experiences and try new foods.

Have you had any professors who have been particularly impactful to you?
I’ve been lucky to have several inspirational instructors during my time at Seattle University. During my time as a graduate student in the SDA program, I’ve been grateful for the mentorship of Dr. Tolu Taiwo, Dr. Iesha Valencia and Professor Erin Swezey. Each of these has shown me what it is to be an equity-minded practitioner who centers students in their work.

What are your career ambitions?
I’m not sure if there is a job title I aim for, but ultimately, I’d like to work to support historically underrepresented and underserved students in higher education spaces. There are a lot of systems within higher education that need to be examined and updated to continue to ensure that colleges and universities are inclusive and accessible for anyone who wishes to pursue continuing education.

What are your plans for the summer?
This summer I am kicking off the season by traveling to southeastern France to support my sister’s stop-motion animated film in the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and then road tripping down to Marseille with my spouse, making sure to stop in Lyon, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and more towns along the way! I’ll end summer with an annual camping trip on Lopez Island with friends.