Greetings From the President

Let me introduce myself. My name is Dan Martin, and I am the new president of Seattle Pacific University.

Since a new academic year is about to begin at SPU, I thought this was an excellent time to greet you — and to tell you something about myself. I'm sure that you, as the parent of a Seattle Pacific student, may be wondering about me and what I bring to SPU.

Read more.

Started in the 1970s by SPU students, SPRINT is Seattle Pacific Reachout International. Students participate in service-learning and mission trips that connect them to leaders in various ministries around the world. It's an opportunity for students to work in communities and encourage others through their service. SPRINTers, with the support and mentorship of the John Perkins Center staff, served in nine countries this summer.

Student accomplishments were wide-ranging:

• In Russia, students assisted with a wilderness camp on the Gulf of Finland for young people with physical and mental disabilities.
• With the help of our students and many local workers, the Foundation for Peace finished roof construction on its vocational school in Haiti.
• The India team helped in classrooms in rural areas around Hyderabad.
• In Vietnam, students worked with Fisher's SuperKids English Center. 
• The Malawi team enjoyed a field trip to Mount Nguluyanawambe with children from a Children of the Nations home.

Read more on their blogs and view photos from each trip.

Wondering when your student will be home for Christmas break, which dates they'll be busy with finals, or when graduation is? Check out the University Calendar. Calendars for University Ministries, fine arts, athletics, and general university events are also available.

Is your student intending to graduate this year? Students should apply to graduate one year prior to their intended graduation term (Graduating in spring 2013? Apply by spring 2012). The graduation application is online in the Banner Information System. By applying on time, your student will receive all communications and may participate in all events. Missing the deadline may result in not being invited to graduation events.

Keep your eyes peeled for an update to the Commencement website for dates, times, and other information on 2013 Commencement events. You'll want to make plans in advance for this exciting time for your graduating student.

Now in its 13th year, The Sacred Sounds of Christmas features SPU's nationally recognized Concert Choir, Wind Symphony, and Orchestra, along with many other outstanding SPU musicians.

The popular Sunday afternoon performance of this acclaimed concert is back — and this year it will be in a new venue: McCaw Hall in Seattle Center, home to the Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Opera.

Discounted early-bird tickets are now on sale. Find out more.

Day of Common Learning – October 10

The Day of Common Learning is set aside each year for the SPU community to learn together about a chosen topic, and includes a series of afternoon seminars led by faculty, students, and staff. All events are free and open to the public. This year's speaker is Miroslav Volf, speaking on "Christian Engagement in a Pluralistic World." Volf is professor of systematic theology at Yale Divinity School and founding director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture.

Mom's Day – November 3

Mom's Day is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your son or daughter while you join other moms and students for a time of stories, exploration, and laughter. On Friday evening, the new president (dads are welcome); on Saturday, enjoy lunch with the president's wife, Pam Martin, attend an SPU soccer or volleyball game, and more. Save the date now; registration begins October 1.