SPU hosts 2018 Special Olympics gymnastics
When the Special Olympics USA Games come to Seattle this summer, Seattle Pacific will be one of the places rolling out a big welcome mat.
SPU will be the host for the gymnastics competition. That portion of the weeklong games will take place in Brougham Pavilion on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 3–5.
“We are beyond thrilled to be hosting a portion of the Special Olympics USA Games this summer,” school Athletic Director Jackson Stava said. “There are few organizations whose missions are as widely celebrated as Special Olympics, which has made for a fantastic partnership.
“I’m certain that the character and hospitality of our student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff will be on full display as we welcome these world-class athletes and coaches to Royal Brougham Pavilion.”
Approximately 3,000 athletes competing in 14 sports are expected to visit the Puget Sound area.
Each of the three days at Seattle Pacific will feature two sessions. All sessions are free to the public.
Over the years, Brougham Pavilion has been the site of numerous major gymnastics events, including the NCAAs and USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships.
This article excerpt is reprinted with the permission of the SPU Athletic Department.
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Garrhett Petrea
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Faculty goodbyes
This year, five SPU faculty members retired, closing out a combined 143 years of teaching. Here’s a brief look at how they served students over the decades:
If you’ve enjoyed the Sacred Sounds of Christmas, thank Assistant Professor of Choral Music David Anderson. At SPU for 26 years, Anderson was (excuse the pun) instrumental in creating a concert that showcased SPU student and faculty musicians, and is now an SPU and community tradition.
Associate Professor of Foreign Languages and Linguistics Kathryn Bartholomew revived the undergraduate Spanish program at SPU, as well as the linguistics major, during her 29 years in the classroom. She also co-led five European Quarter study abroad trips, and will even co-lead another in Spring 2019.
Known as a Renaissance man, Associate Professor of Economics Douglas Downing helped the School of Business, Government, and Economics earn AACSB accreditation. An SPU faculty member for 35 years, Downing has authored 15 books, including a trilogy of math textbooks written as fantasy adventure novels.
Retiring after 28 years, Professor of History Donald Holsinger has not only helped students understand the histories of Middle Eastern and North African regions, but he’s also served as a consultant and analyst for Northwest radio and TV outlets over the years.
For the past 25 years, Executive in Residence James Rand has taught courses such as operations management, compensation management, and human relations. Rand holds not only a doctorate in labor law and economics, but he also holds a law degree. An Army veteran, he co-chaired the Military Veterans Cadre for student veterans.
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Upcoming events
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June 11
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June 29, July 13, July 27, August 17, and August 31
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Special Olympics at SPU (Gymnastics)
July 3–5
Royal Brougham Pavilion
Each of the three days of gymnastics events will feature two sessions. All sessions are open and free to the public. For the general schedules for each day, visit the SPU Athletic Department.
Independence Day
Wednesday, July 4
Campus closed.
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Monday, September 3
Campus closed.
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Editor’s note: The next parents’ In the Loop newsletter will be August 2018.