Praying for students
With the stresses and distance experienced by students due to the pandemic, University Ministries coordinated an effort to have SPU staff and faculty pray for every undergraduate student by name during Spring Quarter and send each a personal email of encouragement.
Japanese American internment remembered
University Ministries coordinated a series of events in observance of the 78th anniversary of the executive order that led to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. A February chapel service and lunch was organized and conducted in collaboration with local Japanese American ministry leaders. Cho Simizu shared a firsthand account of his family’s experiences in a camp. Also, in partnership with SPU’s Multi-Ethnic Programs, the documentary Children of the Camps was shown and discussed, with an emphasis on contemporary advocacy implications.
Faith Initiative work continues
Two Faith Initiative projects are underway, supported by donors. The first is a faculty research group examining artificial intelligence, faith, and the future, led by Michael Paulus, University librarian and assistant provost for educational technology. The second, led by School of Theology Dean Doug Strong, offers faculty from all disciplines the opportunity to pursue graduate studies at Seattle Pacific Seminary to better integrate faith and theology in their study and instruction. The Faith Scholars Program will bring visiting faculty to campus in the future to more deeply explore the intersection between Christian faith and their fields.
Connecting students with worship
University Ministries and students shared worship together in various places and with changing emphases. Multicultural Nights of Worship were held quarterly. The Group ministry organized weekly community building activities in residence halls. Chapel services were held in different spaces each week during Winter Quarter in an effort to reach more students. The Sharpen ministry served transfer and commuter students, as well as those living in nearby houses and apartments.
Faith for the Future Scholars
In autumn 2020, SPU is offering a new “Faith for the Future” scholarship to assist students seeking a faith-based college education. The scholarship will be available to students with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher who demonstrate a commitment to faith and service through involvement in a Christian faith-based activity or group, and/or who graduated from a Christian high school.
“The Faith for the Future scholarship is a tangible expression of SPU’s commitment to a faith-filled campus,” said Jordan Grant, associate vice president for enrollment operations. SPU offers a challenging academic curriculum as well as a rich environment for students to explore their faith.