Acting with Heart and Passion

University Service
Anne Hotz Moran, '87
College of Arts and Sciences

For Anne Hotz Moran, ’87, service means acting with heart and passion—without seeking anything in return.

"My parents were grounded in Catholic faith and service, which was modeled for me for so many years,” Moran says. “When my father passed away, his memorial prayer card was the Ignatian Prayer for Generosity, ‘Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous, teach me to serve as I should, to give and not to count the cost’...I think that embodies where and how I was raised.”

Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, as the eighth of nine siblings, Moran attended Catholic school from kindergarten through high school. In a leap of faith, she decided to leave Nebraska for Washington state to attend Seattle University, a Jesuit college in a city she’d never been to.

“I can still picture flying into Seattle in the pouring rain, mesmerized by the beauty of the city,” Moran recalls. “By my sophomore year, I found my community at SU. I met my husband, Matt, ’86, in Father Paul Fitterer’s theology class and that set the trajectory for the middle 20 years of my life.”

After focusing on raising their five children, Moran returned to work at Seattle University as an executive coordinator in 2011, inspired by the Jesuit community and impressed by the progress SU had made since her time as a student.

“Seattle needs Seattle University,” Moran says. “I think it’s really important that we are here for the community—and for the contributions that we make—so to be a part of that is very fulfilling and gratifying.”

In her 15 years as a staff member Moran has become known across campus for her integrity, humility and deep institutional knowledge that makes her presence invaluable. In her current role as Chief of Staff to the President, Moran is a trusted advisor and bridge between executive leadership, trustees, faculty, staff and students, contributing to both the operational and relational aspects of university life. 

“I really enjoy the work and I enjoy the people, which is such a huge part of being in a university community,” Moran says. “Relationships are at the core of what we’re doing at Seattle University. It’s not lost on me how blessed and privileged I am.”

Widely respected on campus for her diplomacy and ability to bring people together across the university, Moran embodies SU’s value of cura personalis ("care for the whole person.") Her nominators for the alumni award noted her influence in setting standards for executive searches, advocating for such advancements as SU joining with Cornish College of the Arts and the forthcoming creation of the Seattle University Museum of Art (SUMA), cultivating community partnerships that strengthen the university’s mission.

In addition to her work at SU Moran also serves on the national board for the Conference of Sacred Heart Education and previously served on the Board of Trustees at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bellevue.

“The boards I’ve served on and the work I’ve done at a volunteer level are rooted in giving back to institutions that have given me so much,” Moran says. “My Sacred Heart and Jesuit educations are core to who I am.”

When Moran learned she was being recognized with the University Service award, she says her initial response was feeling “verklempt.” 

“I was overwhelmed with emotion. My work is not done in isolation. It’s really part of a greater collective. That’s why I was so humbled and gratified. I’m truly honored to be such in good company.”