Back to in-person learning
After 18 months of COVID-19 restrictions, we were able to welcome students back to campus this past fall. While there was still much to navigate due to ongoing gathering and mask restrictions, as well as illness, we were able to safely return to in-person learning. A big thank you to our Health Services team and the compassionate care they provide for our community.
U.S. News rankings
SPU was once again ranked a “Best National University” by U.S. News and World Report. This marks the sixth year in a row of receiving this designation. Our 3,400+ undergraduate and graduate students are being equipped daily to anticipate and shape the future in a world-class city.
Seattle Pacific Foundation continues growth trajectory
The Seattle Pacific Foundation works to endow the future of Seattle Pacific University. The Foundation carries out this mission by professionally managing the University’s endowment, achieving investment returns that help lower the cost of attendance for the 96% of undergraduate students who receive scholarships and financial aid each year. Since its creation, the Foundation has demonstrated profound excellence in fiscal stewardship when compared to peer and larger institutions, according to the National Association of College and University Business Officers Study of Endowments.
Endowment growth in the last 10 years
- As of December 31, 2011, the value of the SPU Endowment was $44,050,165.
- As of December 31, 2021, the value of the SPU Endowment was $175,879,402.
The National Association of College and University Business Officers-TIAA Study of Endowments ranked SPU above the 95th percentile on its net return for 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15-year periods. As you can see on the Endowment Pool Investment Performance chart above, the University’s endowment pool has consistently outperformed its benchmarks. These achievements demonstrate the Foundation’s exceptional management of the SPU Endowment and a solid basis for donor confidence.
Celebrating 100 years of Ivy Ceremonies
Ivy cutting has been a part of spring graduation rites since 1922, when the first Ivy Planting ceremony was introduced. And this year, 100 years later, our graduates participated in the annual Ivy Cutting ceremony, in which each senior receives a cutting from a long, connected ring of ivy. The ceremony symbolizes the senior’s tie to the University and its many alumni, as well as a newfound independence that comes with becoming a graduate of SPU.