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September 2014 | Volume 8, Issue 8
 A Message From President Dan Martin
In a few days, your student will be here on the Seattle Pacific University campus. We are busy getting ready for your son's or daughter's arrival. We just concluded our faculty retreat, and there was a tremendous amount of energy and excitement as we talked about the upcoming year. I know this will be a great year in the life of the University, and I trust it will be in your student's life as well.
As we approach Autumn Quarter, I can say more than ever that this is a remarkable and inspiring community, and I can't wait to greet your son or daughter personally. Yes, we've had times of grief, but we've mainly had times of joyous celebration and growth. This is a community that gathers together to pray, to learn, and to care for one another and the world around us in meaningful ways.
(Read more)
Campus News
 SPU Intramural Sports Keep Healthy Competition Alive
From traditional sports like volleyball, basketball, and soccer, to quirky one-off tournaments for dodgeball, ping-pong, and the Settlers of Catan board game, SPU intramurals have something for everyone. More than 1,000 students participated last year. Read all about intramurals in the latest issue of etc magazine.
 "God Forbid That the Church Be Silent": Ferguson and Beyond
This summer, SPU faculty and staff members have been writing and preaching in response to the nationwide conversation on race and injustice that emerged around recent events in Ferguson, Missouri.
 From SPU to Eskişehir, Turkey: A Fulbright Journey
After two quarters of studying abroad in the Middle East, Meagan Dooley '14 knew she had to find a way back there. Professors encouraged her to apply for a Fulbright scholarship, so she applied to teach English in Turkey. "I was fascinated by the blend of Eastern and Western culture, and the rich history that comes from being conquered by every place under the sun," Meagan says. Read More.
Upcoming Events
Orientation
Seattle Pacific University is ready to welcome new students, their parents, and their guests to Orientation 2014 events, which will be held on campus September 25-28, 2014. Explore this site for registration instructions, a schedule of events, and tips for making a great start.
 Day of Common Learning
Parents are invited to the 13th annual Day of Common Learning, an all-day event in which the University suspends classes and gathers as a community to explore a significant idea or interest. The event is on Wednesday, October 22, and features keynote speaker Andy Crouch, executive editor of Christianity Today. This year's theme is "The Promise and Perils of Power: Fostering Human Flourishing in a Broken World." Learn more.
Mom's Day: Saturday, November 1
The theme of Mom's Day is "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" The day includes a presentation highlighting SPU's Study Abroad program. On Saturday, November 1, students will share their stories of life-changing experiences through traveling and studying internationally. Brunch begins at 10 a.m. Watch for your email invitation next week.
 The Sacred Sounds of Christmas
It might be a little early to be thinking of Christmas, but here at Seattle Pacific University we have been working for many months to plan the 2014 Sacred Sounds of Christmas concert -- now in its 15th year. On Monday, December 1, hundreds of SPU vocalists and instrumentalists participate in this inspiring performance that ushers in the Christmas season with a wide range of sacred music from different time periods and genres. New this year will be a performance of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus."
This concert sells out earlier every year. Last year, all tickets were gone by the first part of October, so parents are encourage to buy tickets now, particularly if you think your student may be performing. Between today and September 30, you can get special early-bird ticket rates. Learn more.
 Meet Alumni and Parent Relations Director Bryan Jones
As Seattle Pacific's new director for alumni and parent relations, Bryan Jones plans to do some traveling in order to visit with alumni and parents in their regions, hear what's on their hearts, and engage with them where they live and work.
"Anyone who would like to connect with me and learn more about the University and how you can be more involved is invited to get in touch," says Jones, who can be reached at bryan@spu.edu or 206-281-2250.
Jones has experienced SPU as a student, an associate of admissions (10 years), and a development officer (three years). His passion for his alma mater only increased as he worked with students and their parents, guiding them through the admissions process and through the building of lasting relationships with donors.
"We're at a pivotal time as a university," says Jones. "We have a dynamic new president who has said he believes God wants to do so much more with this place and that our brightest days are still ahead. To get there will require significantly more alumni and parents involved on all fronts, certainly with their financial support, but also through professional networking, student mentoring, and volunteering their time with the University." Jones assumed the helm in Alumni and Parent Relations July 1. He and Assistant Director for Alumni and Parent Relations Linda Nolte are ready for a robust 2014-15, and eager to be advocates and a resource for SPU parents.
Faculty News
Housing Expert Honored as Teacher of the Year
At their annual spring awards luncheon, SPU faculty members honored Professor of Housing and Interior Design Sandra Hartje with the annual Patricia M. Bentz Teacher of the Year award. Hartje is an advocate for affordable housing for women and children, for environmentally sustainable housing, and for improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. All of these values have deeply influenced her students and their vocational choices. "Students' lives and career trajectories are changed as a result of her courses," wrote Provost Jeff Van Duzer in his letter of nomination.
Business Research Wins International Recognition
A paper co-written by School of Business, Government, and Economics Dean Joseph Williams, Executive-in-Residence Al Erisman, Associate Professor Ryan LaBrie, and Professor Gerhard Steinke was recently awarded the Best Paper prize at the 2014 Performance Management Association Conference in Denmark. The paper examines communication tools used by Microsoft employees in working together.
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"God Forbid That the Church Be Silent": Ferguson and Beyond
Meet Alumni and Parent Relations Director Bryan Jones