Philanthropy

2022 President’s Award for Philanthropy

Salt & Light virtual donor event held

In November, nearly 200 donors nationwide joined an online evening of food, music, film, and inspiration — the first ever fully livestreamed. The event began with a cook-along segment by author and James Beard Foundation award winner Ashley Baron Rodriguez ’04, followed by a live performance by music producer Chris Fuller ’20, airing of The Time to Heal documentary, presentation of the Alumni of the Year award, and remarks by Provost Laura Hartley and Interim President Pete Menjares.

Thank you for supporting SPU students like me. You make it possible for me to learn how to apply my faith and create change through it, and I am so grateful.” — Zoe, Class of 2025

Estate gifts bolster student aid

Realized estate gifts increased substantially this fiscal year, totaling $1,056,844 from seven estates: Donna Urry, Bea and Lee Johnson, Rex and Elsie Cooper, James Reddick and Eva (Reddick) Rogers, Jack and Vel MacDonald, Mabel Morgan, and Larry Norton and Ruth Vega Norton. Notably, the Coopers’ generosity founded the Cooper Financial Assistance Fund for Theology Students Endowment. Total dollars earmarked for endowments exceeded last fiscal year’s funding.

Faith at Work spotlights business as a calling

A hybrid event gathered donors, board members, business leaders, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff in May with a small live audience and many online attendees. The Faith at Work event centered on the work of SPU’s Center for Faithful Business and the worldwide impact of their award-winning Faith & Co. films. Donors Eric and Keri Stumberg, who made the creation of Faith & Co. possible, were honored with the 2022 President’s Award for Philanthropy.

Giving Day exceeds goals

A 24-hour show of Falcon unity on April 6 yielded 1,066 gifts to support SPU students and programs on SPU’s fourth annual Giving Day. Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members donated $308,803 to make the day a success. There were over 36 different funds to support, and the SPU community made a huge impact by joining together to make a difference for students and programs. Thank you, and we hope you’ll join us again next year on Tuesday, April 5!

Promoting young-adult church involvement

Pivot NW, funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment and based at Seattle Pacific, received a second award of $1.25 million. Professor of Christian Ministry, Theology, and Culture Jeff Keuss received the second grant for his work with young adults and congregations. His project involves an innovation hub centered on the engagement and empowerment of millennial church leaders, and a second phase, PACE NW, focused on preparation, activism, church, and engagement.