Message From Tom Bull
Six months in, what I've learned about community.
When I arrived at Seattle University six months ago, I expected to learn a new campus, new systems and new rhythms of work.
What I didn’t fully anticipate was how quickly I would feel the depth of this community.
In this relatively short period of time I’ve met alumni across generations and geographies—Redhawks who graduated decades apart yet share the same pride, values and sense of belonging. I’ve heard stories of first jobs landed through alumni connections, lifelong friendships formed in residence halls and careers shaped by mentors who once sat in the same classrooms. Repeatedly, I’m reminded that being a Seattle University alum isn’t just something you were—it’s something you are.
We are now entering a season of meaningful transition for the university, inching closer to welcoming newly graduated students into our alumni family while also engaging in a presidential search that will help shape the next chapter of Seattle University’s story. And Alumni Engagement is taking a thoughtful look at how we listen to and support our alumni community, including an upcoming alumni survey designed to help guide our future priorities.
Change can feel uncertain, but it’s also where possibility lives.
As we look ahead, we’re also honoring an important new chapter as part of Seattle University’s integration with Cornish College of the. If you are an alum of Cornish you may wonder what this means in terms of identity, traditions and legacy. Let me be clear: Cornish’s history, creative spirit and artistic excellence will never be erased and are being honored and carried forward. This partnership strengthens both communities, expands opportunities for students and alumni and ensures that Cornish’s remarkable story continues as part of a larger, mission-driven future.
What I’ve learned over these past six months is that our alumni are not passive observers of change. You are partners in it.
Whether you show up at events, mentor students, advocate for higher education, support scholarships or simply stay connected, your engagement matters. Alumni bring perspective, experience and heart to everything we do.
At Alumni Engagement, our focus is simple—connection.
Connection between alumni and each other.
Connection between alumni and students.
Connection between alumni and the university.
And our future looks bright. We’re building new opportunities for regional gatherings, professional networking, volunteer leadership and lifelong learning. We’re strengthening traditions like reunions and Alumni Awards while also exploring new ways to engage—digitally, locally and across industries. And we’re committed to making sure alumni voices help shape what comes next.
I invite you to stay involved in whatever way feels meaningful to you. Attend a gathering. Complete the alumni survey when it arrives. Reach out to a fellow Redhawk. Share your story. Celebrate a graduate. Cheer on our sports teams. Or simply take pride in being part of a community more than 100,000 strong.
Seattle University is evolving and so is our Alumni Association. But one thing remains constant—this is a lifelong relationship.
Thank you for being part of it.
With gratitude,
Tom Bull
Assistant Vice President, Alumni Engagement