Seattle Pacific University - Parents and Families In the Loop
Spacer Spacer

Trouble viewing this email? Read it online.

June 2011 | Volume 5, Issue 6


Shaping Lives That Change the World

SPU Graduate Spacer

By Philip W. Eaton, SPU President

Last week I stood on a platform at Seattle's Safeco Field for Seattle Pacific's Commencement ceremony and watched some 800 students become distinguished graduates of SPU.

This is always a thrilling time for me, to witness the culmination of such hard work by our students, and to witness as well the fulfillment of our mission at this great Christian university.

Commencement is an important moment for any university. For us, it highlights our special purpose and mission.

From the moment that each student sets foot on our campus, all of us -- faculty, staff, administrators, students, and parents -- are working together to ensure that all our students discover a sense of what they can do with their lives.

We want our students to be highly educated, with the competencies that matter in this world, but we hope they will discover a calling that will enable them to engage the culture and change the world.

What a delight it is to imagine the variety of ways in which these young men and women will make a difference in the world.

Read more.




Now What? A Parent's Perspective

Spacer Puzzle Pieces

By Lyle Peter, SPU Professor of Chemistry

"They have graduated! What should I expect? What happens next?"

The dependent child who left your home a few short years ago has become a much more mature and responsible adult, who may still need your support and advice -- but not your direction.

This is a transitional time. Your daughter or son is becoming economically independent, and is learning to accept responsibility for her or his decisions. It's a time to both respect and encourage independence. At the same time, be willing to provide a temporary buffer as your graduate transitions to a new job and home, and into full personal and legal responsibility.

In other words, for your child's own good, lovingly foster and respect his or her independence -- but don't abandon your child in time of need.

And remember to enjoy and cultivate fellowship with your daughter or son as a loved and respected adult friend.

Do you have insights to share about supporting recent graduates? We'd love to hear from you.




In the Loop Recommends


SPU Stories Spacer

This summer, follow SPU's website for stories of outstanding graduates. Every couple of weeks you'll discover yet another way an SPU alum is changing the world. Inspiring, thought-provoking, and fascinating, the stories profile graduates who are helping to develop self-esteem in low-income women, building water filters in Guatemala, pursuing an advanced degree in music therapy, working towards alternative energy solutions, and more. Visit our News and SPU Stories pages to read these stories.


Read more at In the Loop online.


Spacer
Spacer
Spacer Spacer
SPRINTing Around the Globe
Spacer
VolleyballSpacer

SPRINT, or Seattle Pacific Reachout International, is a service-learning and mission-trip program that every summer sends students to far corners of the world. This year, 10 teams comprising 4 to 9 students each will travel to Vietnam, Russia, Brazil, Rwanda, Haiti, Uganda, Guatemala, Indonesia, and India to engage and serve in the local communities.

The SPRINT teams would appreciate your prayers as they grow together as teammates and learn from the examples of Christian leaders around the world. You can follow their blog updates during the summer.



Check This Out

New Degree in Sustainability
In July, SPU's School of Business and Economics will launch an innovative new master's degree in social and sustainable management. The 11-month program is intended for recent college graduates with non-business degrees, such as liberal arts and engineering. Through intensive modules, students will develop real-world business skills and ethical practices that they'll be able to use in making businesses and other organizations more sustainable and socially responsible. Learn more.

Desktop, Laptop, or iPad?
Are you planning to buy a computer for your student to use at SPU? Read recommended computer specs and tips from SPU's Computer and Information Systems office and move to the head of the class. Learn more.

Spacer
Upcoming Events

Summer Visit Day
July 1


Check out the campus with one of our Summer Visit Days. You'll tour campus, eat lunch in Gwinn Commons, and meet faculty and students. The next Visit Day is July 1. Other dates include July 15 and 29, and August 12 and 26. Reserve your spot.
Spacer
New Student Advising
August 18-19


Make sure your student signs up for New Student Advising. The sooner your student attends and registers, the more likely your student will get the classes he or she wants. The sign-up deadline for the August 18-19 NSA events is July 15. Learn more.


Summer Socials
August 24-31


We're coming to you! The end of September will be here before you know it, so we're giving you a chance to connect with the SPU community at a summer social in select areas of Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. Space is limited, so sign up now if you are a newly admitted student, current student, or SPU alum.

Spacer
Spacer


Engaging the Culture, Changing the World

Seattle Pacific UniversityPublished by: Seattle Pacific University, 3307 3rd Ave. W., Seattle, WA 98119-1950, U.S.A.
Website: www.spu.edu/parents | Feedback: parents@spu.edu | Phone: 206-281-2548
Unsubscribe from In the Loop