Ames’ legacy lives on in the lives of students
Gary Ames, Board of Trustees member and one of the University’s
most generous donors, passed away in May. Gary and his wife,
Barbara, began supporting SPU in 2001, when they made an
initial $1 million commitment to fund a Universitywide initiative to
support students coming from the most underrepresented cultural
and ethnic communities. Through the years, the Ames Scholarship
and now the Ames Leadership Program have supported over 130
students. Gary often said that one day an Ames Scholar would
become an SPU Board of Trustees member, and he was able to see
that realized when Dr. Denise Martinez and Kevin Johnson joined the
Board. In 2015, the library building was rededicated as the Ames Library in honor of Gary and
Barbara’s significant contributions to Seattle Pacific, and in 2019 they were honored with the
President’s Award for Philanthropy. Gary and Barbara have donated nearly $8 million out of
their conviction that Seattle Pacific is a vital Christian presence in the city and to the world.
Behold! reaches thousands
SPU’s beloved annual Sacred
Sounds of Christmas concert
was reimagined as Behold!
(spu.edu/behold), a virtual
multimedia celebration that
premiered in December.
Utilizing student, faculty, and
alumni musicians, Behold!
featured genres from classical to hip-hop in settings as
diverse as a Northwest forest, Seattle streets, and SPU’s
campus. Viewers heard compelling and uncommon life
stories from talented and nationally renowned alums. The
more than 11,000 views represented 17,000 to 20,000
audience members in all 50 states and in 28 countries
worldwide, expanding the reach beyond the 2,500 seats
available in Benaroya Hall for the traditional, in-person
concert. The event also raised more than $85,000 for
student scholarships from over 700 donors.
$1.3 million gift aids seminarians
An anonymous donor gave Seattle Pacific Seminary $1.3
million in scholarship aid to reduce the educational
debt of seminarians at Seattle Pacific so they can go into
ministry unencumbered. This generous investment helps
educate and equip future ministry leaders who will transform
society for the good, as they develop and lead healthy
churches that motivate Christians toward faith-filled work
and service.
Giving Day breaks records
SPU’s third annual Giving Day took place in
April. During the 24-hour online fundraising
event, 886 alumni, parents, students, and
SPU community members came together
as never before to support Seattle Pacific.
Over 17 unique causes around campus were
supported, and the day saw record-breaking
donations, with over $275,000 raised. Gifts to
areas such as scholarships and aid, Athletics,
and many department programs made a
significant impact for students.