A message from the president
This is a season of celebration at Seattle Pacific University as we mark the graduation of our Class of 2016 and plan for our incoming class of freshmen. With all these comings and goings, ceremonial moments, and work on the academic year to come, it is a good time for me to pause and think about the privilege it is for me to serve this University as president.
Each of our students is part of our SPU story, which began 125 years ago this month, when our founders cast a vision for a place that would equip students to make a difference in the world. Founding faculty member Adelaide Beers said of these early days, “Students may be found in this and in foreign lands whose lives have been transformed.”
This notion of transformation endures today. Because of SPU’s vision to engage the culture and change the world, I have seen many of our students tackle community and global problems, making a difference in ministry, health care, business, the arts, education, scientific endeavors, and more.
We are now entering Seattle Pacific’s year-long 125th Anniversary Celebration. From humble beginnings in 1891 on a small piece of land, we have transformed into a leading Christian university located in the heart of a great city.
This is a time to look back at our rich history — and look ahead with optimism. Numerous events have been planned to mark this anniversary, including the 125,000 Service Hours Challenge, the Alumni Grand Reunion and Crowder Concert, SPU Across America Day, and a Fine Arts Exposition. You can learn more at spu.edu/125.
Whether your student is a new graduate or an entering freshman, I hope you’ll plan to come to campus to help us celebrate this special year. I know you’ll enjoy it!
God bless you this summer.