 |
January 2015 | Volume 9, Issue 1
 President Dan Martin's Op-Ed in The Seattle Times
A week before Christmas, I was contacted by The Seattle Times and asked to write an opinion piece to appear on Christmas Day. My understanding is that the editors wanted a different kind of editorial for their readers on Christmas, and I am honored they thought of Seattle Pacific University.
In the piece, I tried to convey how our Christian faith not only shapes our response to tragedy and loss, but also challenges us to respond to some of the world's most pressing problems, such as homelessness and racial injustice. I closed the article by expressing my firm belief that "Seattle Pacific University will continue to be a place where we strive to live what we believe, a place where our Christian identity is foundational and formative."
In case you missed it, here's The Seattle Times op-ed published on December 25, 2014.
Inside SPU
Black Student Union Leads Discussion After Selma Critics' Screening
On January 6, Seattle Pacific University's Black Student Union led a discussion following a packed critics' screening of Selma in at the AMC Pacific Place in downtown Seattle. The BSU is one of 12 intercultural campus clubs, and its 2014-15 co-presidents, Gerdon Jones and Cierra Cooper, facilitated the discussion at the request of Allied Integrated Marketing Coordinator Cori Ayers. "I wanted to have them lead the discussion, because I have worked with them in the past and they have always presented themselves very professionally and are a joy to be around," said Ayers. "The post-screening discussion went great and audience members, including a few press members, were thrilled to see the BSU leading the conversation and hear their opinions on the movie and current events."
Added Gerdon Jones, "It was important for us to be a part of this, because college students should know about this side of history. Martin Luther King was a regular man, but he saw that people were hurting, had a vision, and wanted to make a difference. I hope that in whatever career or vocation I have, I am able to empower and lift up those who are marginalized."
Watch the trailer for Selma.
Autumn Quarter Dean's List
Quarterly honors were awarded to undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students in good standing who completed at least 12 credit hours of work at Seattle Pacific University, attaining a 3.5 or higher quarterly grade-point average in Autumn Quarter 2014.
"A Tribute to Andrae Crouch: Let the Church Say, Amen!"
After the January passing of Andrae Crouch, Stephen Michael Newby, composer and associate professor of music, wrote an online Response tribute to Crouch, an award-winning and pioneering gospel composer. "Through his compositional style of blending and borrowing musical elements of other cultures," wrote Newby, "[Crouch] led the 20th century Christian church into the practice of multi-ethnic ministry."
From Work Study to Career
By taking advantage of her many opportunities to work in all areas of theatre when she was a student, Liza Gonzalez-Ramos found her work-study position leading to her first post-graduation position at the Seattle Repertory Theatre.
Planning for Commencement 2015
Is your student a senior? Check out the Commencement site for information you may need to begin making plans to attend the graduation celebration events, June 12-13, 2015. Find the schedule for Ivy Cutting, Commencement, and other graduation events.
Upcoming Events
Homecoming 2015
Parents are invited to join the SPU community at Homecoming, February 5-7. Hear from Alumnus of the Year Rick Reynolds and Young Alumna of the Year Kristen Eddings Tetteh; cheer on the men's and women's basketball teams in Royal Brougham Pavilion; tour the renovated Alexander Hall; explore the brand-new Arnett Hall; and more.
Parents' Prayer Meeting
Join other SPU parents to pray for Seattle Pacific University and its students, faculty, and staff at the next Parent Prayer Meeting, hosted by the Parent Council. Questions? Call Alumni and Parent Relations at 206-281-2586.
Date: Saturday, February 7
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Demaray Chapel, Seattle First Free Methodist Church
Student Talent Show
Friday, February 6, features one of the most anticipated student events of the year: the Talent Show, with an eveing of top-tiered student performances. The 2015 People of Promise (formerly known as the Homecoming Court) are announced at this event.
Date: Saturday, February 7
Time: 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Cost: $10 general admission
Location: Royal Brougham Pavilion
 Winter Concert Series
You're invited to the SPU Music Department's 2015 Winter Concerts, featuring faculty and student musicians from Seattle Pacific's acclaimed ensembles. All performances are free and wheelchair accessible.
Save the Date: Dad's Day
Save the date for Dad's Day on April 25. Dads and their students can enjoy a lunch together on campus -- and then in the early evening catch a Mariner's game against the Minnesota Twins. Watch for more details, including cost and schedule, in the coming weeks.
Faculty News
Wong's Article Published
An article by Kenman Wong, professor of business ethics, and recent SPU alumnus Donovan Richards (MA Theology/Applied Business 2012) titled "Commercialization and Microfinance Interest Rates: Usury or Just Prices?" was recently published in the Journal of Markets and Morality.
Gritter Joins Editorial Board
Kris Gritter, associate professor of curriculum and instruction, was recently invited to join the editorial board for the Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, one of the flagship journals of the International Reading Association.
Koskela's Book on Vocation Published
A book by Associate Professor of Theology Doug Koskela was recently published by Eerdmans Publishing. Calling and Clarity: Discovering What God Wants for Your Life offers a theological vision of calling for those who aim to use their time, energy, and gifts faithfully. It was shaped significantly by conversations and questions that emerged in SPU undergraduate and seminary classes on vocational discernment.
View the Parent Guidebook (PDF)
Did You Know? SPU Is on YouTube
You can check out life at SPU on our YouTube channel. Meet students and go inside the classroom for a glimpse of an SPU education.
Questions or Comments?
We'd love to hear from you. Let us know what's on your mind, or how we can help. Submit your questions and comments by emailing parents@spu.edu.
Connect with SPU:
|
|
Save the Date: Dad's Day
Gritter Joins Editorial Board
