Seattle University students, faculty, and staff have lived through tremendous challenges as we seek to prepare a health care workforce in a triple pandemic world, (COVID, reckoning with the impacts of oppression and racial injustice, and experiencing the great shake up of people leaving / changing their jobs). Now more than ever we need to find our own moral compass, muster up the courage to do the right thing, and commit to living a life of reflection. I tell myself that every moment is a gift that comes ripe with opportunities to learn more about my purpose. The Jesuits remind us to engage in a daily “Examen”–a mindfulness practice that includes a nightly inventory of the gifts of the day–both those that brought consolation and those that introduced desolation. Bringing each day to consciousness enables reflection on our purpose, a moment to refuel our passion, and an opportunity to course correct.
As I reflect on where we are today, I must acknowledge the great and steady efforts of our entire College of Nursing community, whether alumni, faculty, staff, students or friends, for their continued dedication to the mission and vision of Seattle University. Their efforts have borne fruit in many areas over the past several months, which will provide stability and space for our continued growth and innovation.
First and foremost, I’m happy to announce that we received official notification from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) that the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has been re-accredited for 10 years, the maximum amount of continued accreditation, through December 31, 2032. I’m honored to work among the faculty and staff who contribute to our mission of educating and inspiring leaders to transform health care for a just and humane world and support our outstanding BSN students to realize their dreams of becoming a nurse.
Three endowed scholarships have been established in 2022 thanks to the generosity of donors that will benefit future nursing students. The Sarah M Hughes Endowed Scholarship in Pediatric Oncology Nursing, the Col. Brian J. Dougherty, ’68, Endowed Scholarship and the Bourdon Family Endowed Scholarship will make a positive impact in the lives of nursing students in the coming years. Meaningful gifts like these reach beyond easing immediate financial need and allows students to pursue a degree that provides them with a rewarding lifelong opportunity to make a difference.
I’m also pleased to announce that Mirette Aziz, MBA, RDCS, RDMS has been appointed as Director of the Diagnostic Ultrasound (DIUS) program. A 2010 graduate of the SU DIUS program, Aziz returned as a faulty member in 2019 and has already made valuable contributions to the program’s success. In addition to her teaching experience, she brings to this position a wealth of clinical experience and an MBA in Healthcare Management. She is dedicated to growing the program and graduating the best future sonographers and care team members ready to contribute to quality health care.
We also received news that the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has awarded the CON approximately $280,000 in support of new equipment for simulation education at the Clinical Performance Lab. This combined with $200,000 from the Hearst Foundation to facilitate new simulated learning programs will allow the CPL team to continue innovating and providing cutting-edge educational experiences needed to prepare the next generation of health care professionals. Thank you to Dr. Carrie Miller, Associate Dean for Innovations in Clinical Education, for leading us through these efforts.
For those of you who haven’t been to campus yet this year, SU’s Homecoming week is back from November 7-13. There will be several opportunities to wear your SU red at campus-wide celebrations, including the Homecoming Rally and Basketball Game at the Redhawk Center on November 13. A full list of homecoming events is located here.