Susan Okamoto Lane, dean of multi-ethnic and wellness programs at Seattle Pacific University, received the “Vision from the Mountaintop Award” during the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast in Seattle on January 15. This annual award recognizes a community, education, and business leader from the Seattle area "who demonstrates leadership and contributes in the community or business world for the furtherance of justice, reconciliation, and empowerment."
In more than 30 years at Seattle Pacific, Susan continues to be a champion for students from all ethnic backgrounds and leads efforts to build bridges through cross-cultural engagement across campus. In 2008, she became the founding director of Seattle Pacific’s Multi-Ethnic Programs, which supports the academic, social, and cultural adjustment and success of students from diverse backgrounds.
"Susan has been a steady and influential catalyst with students, staff, and faculty. She is respected and loved by many because of her genuine care for both people and purpose," says Jeff Jordan, SPU’s vice president for student life. "You don’t get off easy with Susan, but you never doubt her heart and care for your well-being. Her faith in God, willingness to engage in the most difficult of issues, and her sense of humor are reflected in an often used descriptor of Susan — grace. The SPU community has been and continues to be blessed because of who she is and how she serves."
Susan has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, a master’s of education degree from Lewis and Clark College, and a graduate diploma in Christian studies from Regent College.
Founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University is a premiere Christian university that equips people to engage the culture and change the world. Its comprehensive academic programs serve more than 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students. SPU is the only private university in the Pacific Northwest to make the 2018 U.S. News & World Report Best National Universities list.
Posted: Monday, January 15, 2018