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Parents Newsletter

March 2016   |  Volume 10, Issue 3

Skyline of Seattle

Seattle — a city of opportunities

By Dani Richmond, Student Employment Coordinator, Office of Student Employment

I recently had the pleasure of connecting with SPU students and an alumna who work off campus in a variety of settings. Their eyes light up and you can hear the energy in their voices when they discuss what their jobs involve. It may seem daunting to consider your student working off campus, especially if your student is not from the Seattle area. However, in the words of junior Cody Kilpatrick, “the potential gain of life experience, job opportunity, and cultural development far outweighs the risk of a slightly longer commute or the inconvenience of an off-campus job.” As SPU’s student employment coordinator, I hear three main questions from concerned parents, so I asked our students to address those questions. Read what they had to say.



Falcon formation chart

What is Falcon Formation?

Falcon Formation is an initiative at Seattle Pacific that focuses on defining what is unique about the SPU community, and exploring how those qualities can shape students’ lives. As it is implemented in the next few years, students should find that wellness, vocation, and even roommate decisions work together smoothly to enhance classroom learning. The initiative includes talks about healthy eating and self-care, and vocational workshops to help students think through choices about majors or careers. The Falcon Formation program aims to unite every aspect of student life at SPU to graduate people of competence, character, wisdom, and grace — graduates who are not only thriving but making a difference in the world.



Good as GOLD

Do you have a student who is graduating soon? Alumni who have graduated from Seattle Pacific University within the last 10 years are “GOLD” — Graduates of the Last Decade. GOLDs have benefits such as access to SPU’s Center for Career and Calling, a private LinkedIn group, SPULink, events just for them, and more! Discover all the benefits GOLD alumni enjoy.

Meykia-Monique Smith

GOLD alumna spotlight: Meykia-Monique Smith

“Before coming to SPU, I realized that I wanted to work with war veterans after getting to know one of my co-workers who was a former Marine. Learning about his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and how it affected his relationships motivated me to volunteer for Veterans Affairs and ultimately led me to pursue a career in psychology.” Read Meykia’s story.



Talon the Falcon with an elderly SPU alum

A star-studded Parents Weekend at Homecoming

Stars shone everywhere when parents and alumni streamed to campus to celebrate the 2016 Parents Weekend at Homecoming January 29–30. Nobel Prize nominee Tim Hanstad ’85 received Alumnus of the Year accolades at the Homecoming Luncheon. Retiring Professor of Music Eric Hanson conducted the final SPU Symphony Orchestra concert (featuring student and alumni musicians) of a distinguished 37-year career. Talon the Falcon mascot ate cake at his 82nd birthday bash. Alumni rowers won the Crew Regatta, and Student Talent Show fans enjoyed pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, and gourmet cookies prior to showtime at an under-the-tent tailgater. Well-fed, the fans were then wowed by hip-hop, big band sounds, and a comedic juggler who dropped pins and jokes in equal measure.

“It was great to see so many parents and alums on campus and having this much fun,” said Alumni and Parent Relations Director Bryan Jones. “We’re hoping everyone turns out in droves for our historic Grand Reunion October 7–9, a signature event of SPU’s 125th anniversary year.” Nor is it too early to make your plans to attend next year’s Parents Weekend at Homecoming, February 10–12, 2017. Come out and help make the stars shine!

Watch videos of this year’s Medallion Award winners:

Hebrews icon for new Lectio series

Spring Quarter Lectio

Join us online for the Book of Hebrews Lectio Series starting March 28, led by SPU's Paul T. Walls Professor of Scripture and Wesleyan Studies Robert W. Wall.

2016–17 tuition rate increases

On Friday, March 4, SPU President Dan Martin sent an email to your student about 2016–17 undergraduate cost increases. Read the email.

FAFSA

Don’t delay! Get your 2016–17 FAFSA submitted as soon as possible!
  • Priority deadline for first-time freshmen was March 15 (if you missed this deadline, be sure to file as soon as possible)
  • Priority deadline for continuing students is June 1

Financial aid notification for new and current students

Student Financial Services staff are busy preparing 2016–17 Offers of Financial Assistance. First-time packets for incoming freshmen were mailed mid-March. Continuing students will have their offers emailed to them (and FERPA-authorized parents) in mid-May. In order to receive your Final Offer of Financial Assistance, make sure you and your student complete all financial aid requirements as early as possible, but no later than August 1.



Upcoming events

Spring Break

By the time you read this, your student’s Spring Break will be underway. Residence halls will reopen at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 28, and classes begin the following day. We hope and trust your student is having a restful and rejuvenating break!

Doris Kearns Goodwin

An evening with Doris Kearns Goodwin

7 p.m. | Thursday, April 7
The world-renowned presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author will give a free public lecture in SPU’s Royal Brougham Pavilion beginning at 7 p.m. Seating is limited. She comes to campus in conjunction with SPU’s annual Downtown Business Breakfast.

Admitted Student Preview

Thursday–Friday, April 7–8
For parents of incoming freshmen this fall: You and your student can experience life on campus, talk with current SPU students, hear from SPU’s President Dan Martin, and meet other students who will also be calling SPU home in Autumn 2016. Students who attend are eligible for a Visit Scholarship! Arrange an official visit through the Admissions office before May 1, and your student will receive a visit scholarship for the 2016–17 school year ($500 for in-state students and $1,000 for out-of-state students).

A student and her dad at 2015's Dad's Day event

Dad’s Day

Saturday, April 30
Dads, be sure to join us for this annual event full of fun and connection between current students and their fathers. Your day includes a great breakfast and championship soccer, when Seattle Sounders FC take on Columbus Crew SC at CenturyLink Field. Add in the Mainstage Theatre performance of The Spitfire Grill: A Musical back on campus that evening, and you have a full day of fun and bonding with your student. More information and registration.

A graduating student at Commencement

Commencement 2016

Is your student graduating this year? The 2016 Commencement website is a helpful resource to assist you in making plans to attend any or all of the graduation celebration events.



Upcoming Center for Career and Calling events

2016 Career Fair

Wednesday, April 6, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Be sure your student saves the date for the biggest job and internship event of the year! Upper Gwinn will be packed with employers offering career positions, internships, and student jobs. There will also be Résumé Rescue sessions April 4 and 5, and a free LinkedIn photo booth.

Peace Corps Information Session

Wednesday, April 6, 5–6 p.m.
Does your student have questions about the Peace Corps? This information session will offer the opportunity to speak to SPU’s Peace Corps recruiter.

Zillow Career Trek

Tuesday, April 12, 3 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Your student can see some of the most beautiful downtown offices in Seattle, with sweeping views of Puget Sound, and meet with employees and recruiters to learn what a career at Zillow could look like.

Disney Meet-Up

Thursday, April 14, 3 p.m.–4 p.m.
Your student can meet Brendan Vaughn, Disney’s business intelligence product manager, and learn about Disney’s office in downtown Seattle with 1,000 employees.

Geico Meet-Up

Tuesday, April 19, 4 p.m.–5 p.m.
Geico is one of the top employers in the nation with some of the lowest staff turnover. Find out why employees love this company and never leave.

See all Center for Career and Calling events.

Social media spotlight: YouTube

From academic lectures to career advice, from keynote addresses to Lectio, from homilies to athletic events, our YouTube channel is a goldmine of exciting, edifying, enlightening, and entertaining videos.

 


Seattle Pacific University

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