At Seattle University we denounce the Nicaraguan government’s seizure this week of our sister Jesuit university, the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) in Managua, Nicaragua and add our voices to the international condemnation of this unjust act that violates fundamental human rights in the country.
Aug 18, 2023
Read More about Expressing Solidarity with the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) in Nicaragua
The wildfires in Hawaii these past few days are hitting home in a particular way for our university as so many members of the SU family reside throughout the islands. Our hearts go out to the students, alumni and friends whose lives have been impacted by the devastation.
Aug 11, 2023
Read More about Support for Students, Alumni and Friends in Hawaii
Because our commitment to diversity is intrinsic to our mission, it is also ultimately rooted in our Jesuit, Catholic character. This understanding takes on added significance in light of today’s disappointing U.S. Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, which will likely hinder the ability of many universities to achieve a diverse student body.
Jun 29, 2023
Read More about Seattle University Response to SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action
Today, June 19, Seattle University joins other communities nationwide in observing Juneteenth. Juneteenth. Also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the official ending of slavery in the United States.
Jun 19, 2023
On May 10, 2023, the Spectator – Seattle University’s student newspaper – published an unfortunate and one-sided story that neither presented differing faculty viewpoints as it relates to proposed language regarding Seattle University’s Jesuit and Catholic character nor accurately reflects the process for revising the Faculty Handbook.
May 16, 2023
Yesterday afternoon, the Chapel of St. Ignatius was the target of an act of vandalism. Several items of furniture – as well as elements of the Chapel’s religious inscriptions – were defaced in the process.
May 1, 2023
It is with great sadness that I must address the recent act of anti-Semitic vandalism that occurred on Temple de Hirsch Sinai.
Apr 18, 2023
Read More about Anti-Semitic Vandalism on Temple de Hirsch Sinai
I am pleased to share that Doug Baldwin Jr. will speak at our undergraduate ceremony and Viet Thanh Nguyen, PhD will speak at the graduate ceremony. Both will receive honorary doctorates.
Apr 17, 2023
On more than one occasion since I have arrived at Seattle University, I have received requests that I—or that Seattle University—issue a statement. I thought it would be helpful for me, as a still relatively new president, to engage the community to explain my approach.
Mar 27, 2023
I am writing to update you on the lockdown and shelter-in-place order that was issued earlier today.
Feb 16, 2023
Every year, on the third Monday of January, we honor and celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jan 16, 2023
On this Thanksgiving Day, I would like to offer my gratitude to each of you for your contributions to the remarkable academic community to which we are all privileged to belong.
Nov 24, 2022
As Seattle University closes tomorrow in observance of Veterans Day, we are reminded of the great sacrifices made by those who have served and currently serve in the armed forces, as well as the loved ones who support them.
Nov 10, 2022
As many of you have heard, D’Vonne Pickett, Jr., an alumnus of Seattle University, was tragically shot and killed Wednesday night outside of the business he owned. So many throughout our neighborhood and city are mourning D’Vonne as a beloved community member and leader. His loss is felt in a particularly profound and devastating way here at Seattle University.
Oct 21, 2022
Today we pause to give thanks for many ways in which our university is enriched and sustained by the contributions, cultures and living traditions of Indigenous peoples. And yet we also acknowledge that our university is located on the ancestral land of the Coast Salish people.
Oct 10, 2022
Yesterday, the United States Supreme Court issued its opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, in which the Court overruled decades of precedent affirming a woman’s constitutional right to seek an abortion.
Jun 25, 2022
Today, I am pleased to share with you the honorary doctorate recipients and speakers at our undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies.
Apr 25, 2022
Read More about 2022 Commencement Honorary Doctorate Recipients and Speakers
I am very pleased to announce that following an extensive search process, Catherine Punsalan-Manlimos, PhD, has been appointed Vice President for Mission Integration. In this newly created position, Catherine will report directly to me and will facilitate and coordinate the many mission-related activities across the university.
Apr 14, 2022
This is one of the busiest times of the year and I wanted to take a moment to share a few updates and thoughts on what’s ahead for us in the month of April and beyond, with a focus on some important programs and activities underway.
Apr 4, 2022
Read More about April Update: Earth Month, Supplier Diversity Program and Shaping Our Shared Future
As we approach the end of our fall academic term, I hope this finds you well. The past few months have been an extraordinary time for Seattle University.
Dec 8, 2021
Read More about End of Fall Term, Looking Ahead and Next Steps on Strategic Directions
As I said in my remarks at inauguration in September, the existential threat that is climate change is one of the three great challenges we face as a society.
Nov 3, 2021
Read More about Deepening Our Leadership on Sustainability and Environmental Justice
The Reigniting Our Strategic Directions work is well underway and I am thankful for the engagement and feedback we have received thus far.
Nov 2, 2021
Read More about Feedback Invited on Reigniting Our Strategic Directions
Today, Seattle University marks the significance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day to honor and celebrate Indigenous peoples and to acknowledge the toil of colonization as reflected by the land we occupy as a university.
Oct 11, 2021
As we move forward together into a new era for Seattle U, our most important guide for the next few years will be our Strategic Directions.
Oct 6, 2021
I hope this finds you well and enjoying the last few days of summer. It is hard to believe that we are less than two weeks away from the start of fall quarter. While I’ve found that every academic year is distinctive in its own right, 2021–2022 promises to be a year unlike any other.
Sep 9, 2021
Read More about Preparing for Seattle University’s 2021–2022 Academic Year
As I settle into my second week as Seattle University’s new president, I want to take this opportunity to express how excited I am to be here and to wish each of you a summer full of joy and restoration.
Jul 14, 2021
As Pride Month begins, the university celebrates and stands in solidarity with all LGBTQ+ people and especially those students, faculty, staff and alumni who are part of our Seattle U family. We would not be whole without you and are deeply grateful for your contributions to our campus community and educational mission.
Jun 2, 2021
Read More about Pride Month and Solidarity with Our LGBTQ+ Community Members
Next Tuesday marks the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. To acknowledge his life and pray for continued healing, peace and progress toward justice, we will gather for a Vigil of Remembrance and Reconciliation.
May 21, 2021
Today marks the 500th anniversary of the day on which Ignatius of Loyola was struck by a cannonball in a battle at Pamplona. This upending of his chivalrous life led to his conversion of putting himself at the service of Jesus Christ and led to the founding of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits.
May 20, 2021
I am pleased to share that beginning this year SU will formally observe Juneteenth as a university holiday. As Juneteenth—June 19—this year falls on a Saturday, the university will close on Friday, June 18, 2021, in observance of the holiday.
May 19, 2021
Read More about SU to Observe Juneteenth Beginning This Year
I am pleased to announce that Dean Peterson, Associate Professor of Economics in the Albers School of Business and Economics, has been selected as the 2021-2022 recipient of the Reverend James B. McGoldrick, S.J., Fellowship.
May 12, 2021
Read More about Dean Peterson Named 2021-2022 McGoldrick Fellow
As we approach this year’s commencement, I am delighted to communicate that the 2021 commencement speaker will be Greg Boyle, S.J.
May 11, 2021
Read More about 2021 Commencement Speaker and Honorary Doctorate Recipient
As we mark Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Seattle University acknowledges with deep gratitude the AAPI community’s rich contributions to our nation and campus community.
May 4, 2021
Read More about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
January 13, 1903, commemorates and recognizes the first courageous Korean immigrants who arrived in Hawaii, initiating Korean immigration to the United States. Today, we join other institutions of higher learning in Washington State, as well as Mayor Bruce Harrell, in recognizing this day.