I am pleased to provide this report on the accomplishments and events at Seattle Pacific University during the past academic year. It summarizes the University’s high-level academic, athletic, fundraising, and alumni milestones. You’ll also read about the many ways our students, faculty, and staff are serving the community around us.
SPU’s significant milestones in 2014–15 include five strategic plan initiatives, two new vice presidents, the hosting of Tent City 3, and increased scholarships for incoming students. The academic year also brought a new music building on Nickerson and President Dan Martin’s Christmas morning op-ed in The Seattle Times.
Programs received accreditation or re-accreditation, SPU offered Mandarin Chinese courses for the first time in many decades, the School of Business and Economics welcomed “Government,” theology faculty published A Compact Guide to the Whole Bible, a student team won the 2015 Social Venture Plan Competition with “Brio Pack,” and more.
SPU put its mission into action throughout Seattle by welcoming Christianity Today editor Andy Crouch to the 13th annual Day of Common Learning; by the Perkins Center’s partnering with Taproot Theatre in post-play discussions of Best of Enemies; by the School of Psychology, Family, and Community’s hosting the “Voices of Autism” conference; and more.
Throughout the year, SPU faculty members increased their reach by lecturing around the world, students served across the globe on SPRINT trips, Lectio began its second four-year cycle, and international scholars came to campus to discuss reconciliation at the “For Such a Time as This” conference.
Throughout the 2014–15 academic year, Falcon athletes garnered significant wins in men’s soccer, women’s gymnastics, and men’s and women’s basketball. Basketball player Suzanna Ohlsen won in the academics as well, being named Academic All-America Player of the Year.
SPU alumni received national and international notice during the year — including Phyllis Sorter ’64 recounting her February kidnapping in Nigeria and Jon Meis ’14 becoming a 2015 Citizen Honors recipient through the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.
In the midst of rebuilding staff and operations, the office of University Advancement is encouraged that SPU had a record-breaking fundraising year for fiscal year 2015. The number of alumni, parents, and friends supporting the University has increased. As of June 30, SPU had raised $12,459,060, the highest amount ever.