Dr. Coba Canales is the new vice president for Student Life and dean of students at Seattle Pacific.

Jun 29, 2026

Dr. Coba Canales is the new vice president for Student Life and dean of students at Seattle Pacific University, effective July 8, 2026. He most recently served as dean of students at Azusa Pacific University in California, where he provided leadership for Residence Life, Campus Life, Spiritual Life, Student Health, Counseling Services, Accessibility and Disability Resources, Commuter Life, Title IX, and Student Conduct.

Welcome, new Falcons! Check out the Orientation schedule, Sept. 24-27, for new first-year, transfer, and international students and their families.

Jun 25, 2026

Welcome, new Falcons! Start your Seattle Pacific University journey off right with Orientation — an exciting and informative three-day experience that will connect you to the SPU community and all of the resources we have to offer. You’ll have the opportunity to check out campus, meet your classmates and current students, and learn more about what it means to be a Falcon.

Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Falcon Hall of Famer Wes Lingren passed away at the age of 95. His contributions as athlete, coach, administrator, and faculty member spanned 50 years.

Jun 23, 2026

Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Falcon Hall of Famer Wes Lingren passed away May 25, 2026, at the age of 95. A 1952 alumnus of Seattle Pacific, his contributions as athlete, coach, administrator, and faculty member spanned 50 years.

Five members of the women's rowing team earned Scholar-Athlete Awards for their accomplishments in the classroom and on the water.

Jun 8, 2026

The Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association announced its Scholar-Athlete Awards, with five members of the Seattle Pacific University women's rowing team earning recognition for their accomplishments in the classroom and on the water.

If you're thinking about coming to SPU, plan a summer visit to campus and make it a vacation in our favorite city!

Jun 2, 2026

If you're thinking about applying to SPU, join us on a summer visit day to learn more about our university, the application process, financial aid, and campus life. You'll have a chance to ask questions, and tour campus with a current student!

Summer Visit Days.

Here's everything you need to know about Undergraduate and Graduate Commencements, Ivy Cutting, and other year-end events.

Jun 2, 2026

The 2026 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 6, at 1 p.m., at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett. Ivy Cutting and Graduate Commencement will be held on campus, Friday, June 6.

Learn more on the 2026 Commencement website.

The Art program features an exhibition reimagining what design can be through experimentation and individuality in the works of graduating seniors.

Jun 2, 2026

The SPU Art Program presents the 2026 Visual Communication Senior Exhibition titled. "Ctrl+Alt+Create." This culmination of study features individual projects by graduating seniors.

Ctrl+Alt+Create is a reimagining of what design can be through experimentation and individuality. Spanning app and web design, packaging, motion, typography, branding, exhibit design, painting, and gaming, these works bring together a diverse range of creative voices united by a shared passion for visual communication. We hope you'll take a moment to explore the show and experience the creativity and craft each student has poured into their work.

Seattle Pacific University will host a public memorial service for Dr. John M. Perkins on Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m. in Upper Gwinn.

May 27, 2026

Memorial celebrations for the late Dr. John M. Perkins will be held in several locations across the United States. Seattle Pacific will host one of these services on Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m. in Upper Gwinn. https://jvmpf.org/memorial-celebrations/

Perkins had a long association with Seattle Pacific and was co-founder of SPU’s John Perkins Center. He died on March 13, 2026, at the age of 95. 

Professor of Art Katie Kresser was a guest on the Faith and Imagination podcast to talk about her new book, Church Beautiful: Sacred Art and Spiritual Healing.

May 13, 2026

Professor of Art Katie Kresser was a featured guest on the Faith and Imagination, an ecumenical podcast that explores the intersection of culture and spirituality. On the podcast, Kresse discusses her forthcoming book, "Church Beautiful: Sacred Art and Spiritual Healing." Listen to the podcast online.

Students in the Public Policy and Administration class recently met with the Mayor of Federal Way.

May 13, 2026

Mohammad Qadam Shah, assistant professor of law and politics, and students in his POL 4000 Public Policy & Administration class recently met with Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell. The mayor shared his academic and professional journey with students and explained how local government and intergovernmental relations work. The students asked about specific local and national political and policy related matters.