Did You Know

What They’re Saying...

“What I try to do in my role is make sure that the value I'm bringing is a commitment to truth and a degree of integrity, a willingness to say what you know and acknowledge what you don’t know.”

—Patrick Schoettmer, one of SU’s highest profile SU faulty members called upon by local, national, even international media for his expertise.

Read more about Schoettmer in our Faculty Spotlight. 

Shifting to Semesters 

A planned move to a semester calendar—from a quarterly one—will allow SU to further support all students in all ways. 

Some of the world's most innovative educational experiences have been out of reach for Seattle University students due to calendar constraints as the university operates on a quarter system. But that will soon change as SU is preparing to transition to a unified semester calendar, beginning in the 2027 academic year. 

An aligned semester calendar supports stronger systems, programming and the long-term stability of Seattle University. It also centers student learning and experiences and aligns with Cornish College of the Arts, which is on a semester calendar. 

And the move to a semester calendar puts Seattle University in good company—95 percent of all U.S. colleges and universities operate on a semester system and 93 percent of schools that comprise the AJCU (Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities) are on a semester calendar.

Learn more about the move to a semester calendar in The Newsroom.

A Grammy-Winning Creative Force

For vocalist, composer and educator Johnaye Kendrick, being nominated for a fifth Grammy Award—and now a newly minted Grammy Award winner—is more than a professional milestone.

It’s a moment decades in the making. 

“With so much incredible music being created every day, knowing that this particular work has resonated enough to be recognized in this way is both humbling and deeply gratifying,” says Kendrick, chair of music at Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University. Kendrick won her third Grammy, in the “Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals” category, at the ceremony on Feb. 1.

A founding member of vocal quartet säje (rhymes with "beige"), Kendrick has built a musical career that spans genres from sound healing, original compositions and jazz to contemporary and a reimagining of the classics. Yet, she says she doesn’t think about “balancing” the different roles she plays as a singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and educator. 

Read more about Professor Kendrick and her magical musical journey in The Newsroom.

Scaling New Heights

Seattle University Mechanical Engineering Professor Eric Gilbertson, PhD, measured Mt. Rainier and found global warming had shrunk Washington state’s iconic peak but that’s just one of his discoveries.

Not hearing back from the federal government about Mt. Rainier's shrinkage, Gilbertson vowed to use the best tools available to gather the most robust data possible.

“Now it's recognized by the scientific community as an accurate measurement," he says. "This is as rigorous as you can get.” 

Read more about Professor Gilbertson’s mountain measuring in The Newsroom. 

Make A Difference with a Gift

SU Gives is Seattle University’s annual day of giving—a powerful, 24-hour celebration of community and impact. On April 16, 2026, alumni, students, faculty, staff, families and friends will unite to support the scholarships, programs and experiences that help Seattle University thrive. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a legendary impact.

Read on for more about how you can make a difference during SU Gives.