A Letter From President Daniel J. Martin

Have you ever watched something from a distance and wondered what it would be like to see it up close? If so, then you know there are three possible outcomes: your expectations will be met, your expectations will be exceeded, or you will be disappointed with what you find.

Things often look different up close, don’t they?

I’ve had this exact experience in my professional life. Seattle Pacific University is a university that I admired from a distance for nearly 20 years. I have now had the privilege of seeing SPU up close, and I am pleased to say that my expectations have been greatly exceeded.

When I came to Seattle Pacific, I thought of it as one of the leading Christian universities in the nation. Now that I’m getting a firsthand view of this place I admired so much, my perspective has changed somewhat. I’ve come to believe that SPU is the leading Christian university in the nation.

This place is special, and I am privileged to serve as its president. My first goal is to advance its unique mission to engage the culture and change the world. I say “unique,” because I believe that no other Christian university delivers the particular educational experience for students that SPU does. And this is something that I want to continue and strengthen in order to meet the challenges of a world that is constantly changing, and in need of the positive difference Seattle Pacific alumni make every day.

SPU’s mission is my primary motivator. It represents the very essence of what I believe should define a Christian university: graduating people of competence and character who will go out into the world and be change-agents for the gospel.

I realize that seems pretty audacious. You might be asking, can Seattle Pacific University, can SPU students and alumni — really change the world? At SPU, it is not about some pithy marketing slogan. We talk about engaging the culture and changing the world because we believe it is possible, and because we see it happening every day.

As president of SPU, I commit myself to joining with faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni, donors, and friends from all around the world in carrying out this mission. It is a great responsibility, and not one I take lightly. It is one, however, that gives me great energy, great vision, and great joy.

During this Inaugural Year, I hope you will join me in celebrating the mission of SPU, and in advancing that mission for the future.

Daniel J. Martin
President
Seattle Pacific University