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Summer 2010 | Volume 4, Issue 3

The Leading Edge

What makes for good leadership development?

It's a question that interests many Seattle Pacific University educators and staff members. After all, part of SPU's mission is to graduate people of competence and character -- the kind of people who would make strong leaders.

"I think our personal growth and development as leaders happens best in a community where you can be vulnerable," says Bob Zurinsky '02, assistant director of SPU's Center for Worship. "SPU is doing this well. We create places where people feel heard."

In the Loop spoke with Zurinsky and four other Seattle Pacific staff members about how they teach students to take the lead. Their insights show why such training could give SPU students an edge in looking for jobs and internships this summer and beyond.

Discover their top insights, and hear from two students who have put them into practice.

Ready to Tackle the World

We have wrapped up another fabulously successful year at Seattle Pacific University.

I love spending time with our students -- especially our graduating seniors -- during the end of year. What a delight it is to see how these young lives have been shaped by the SPU way -- these students are now ready to tackle the world!

These marvelous students often come to us with unclear ideas about what they want to study, or about how they can contribute to the world, or even about their Christian faith.

And yet during their time here, they catch a vision for their lives -- a vision about how they can make a difference in the world. They develop a sense of certainty about who they are and what they can accomplish.

Continue reading President Eaton's message.

Shaped by SPU's Vision

During her time at Seattle Pacific University, Bethany Krumm Tuggle '07 kept busy as a student leader.

An international business major, she planned campus activities in her role on the Student Union Board, served as a peer advisor in the residence halls, and was elected president of Associated Students of Seattle Pacific during her senior year.

With her strong academic background and leadership experience, Bethany could have gone straight into the business world after graduation. Instead she headed to Ethiopia for a year. Why?

"Our goal for our time in Ethiopia was to truly engage the culture," says Tuggle. "Some Americans stay very closed when they are there. We didn't want to do that."

Learn more about Bethany's time in Ethiopia -- and find out how SPU prepared her for it.

Why Be a Leader?

Are leadership and teamwork experiences important for students to seek out during college?

Yes, says Jacqui Smith-Bates of Seattle Pacific University Center for Career and Calling.

Leadership experiences mimic the realities adults face in the work world. They also help students understand and articulate their strengths, build confidence, and learn how to deal effectively with their weaknesses.

Plus, employers say they look for student leadership experience when they hire.

Review other reasons Smith-Bates says leadership experience is valuable.

Backstage With Bonnie

The debut of Love Never Dies, Andrew Lloyd Webber's multimillion dollar sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, has overtaken the historic Adelphi Theatre in London's West End.

Backstage, behind the innovative Coney Island sets, a small army of stage magicians conjures the illusions that make audiences go wild over Webber's musicals.

Within that army is a battalion of costumers, including 11 dressers assigned to the 32 actors to ensure that a multitude of costume changes happens flawlessly. One of those dressers is Bonnie Prather, a 2007 graduate of Seattle Pacific University's theatre program.

A professional costumer at age 24 in one of the world meccas of live theatre, Prather heaps the credit for her good fortune onto the shoulders of the SPU theatre faculty.

"As costume shop manager my senior year, I gained an amazing amount of knowledge and technical skills," says Prather. "And above all, the confidence needed to pursue this job professionally."

Discover more about Bonnie's journey from SPU's costume shop to the international theatre scene.

Faculty Rewarding Faculty

"Being a great teacher-scholar is not something that is taught in graduate school," says Les Steele, vice president for academic affairs. "It takes a person who is called to teach and has a deep commitment to students and learning."

A person like Professor of Geography Kathleen Braden, who received the 2010 SPU Faculty Teacher of the Year award.

The peer-selected honor was given to Braden in part for her innovative academic programs, including her creative top-10 lists; her popular freshman seminar, Are There Dogs in Heaven?; and her contribution to Seattle Pacific University's new Global Development Studies major.

SPU offers the award as a way to recognize its many gifted teachers and to honor their efforts. Plus, it supports the University's commitment to rigorous learning, which dedicated professors such as Braden exemplify.

"I love that along with wisdom, she brings a heart that genuinely cares about her students and the subject matter," writes one of her students.

Read more about Dr. Braden and her "indefatigable vision" for academics.

Join SPU in Oxford, England Seattle Pacific University and Earl Palmer Ministries invite you to Oxford, England, to attend a "Gathering of Friends." It's an opportunity to explore the world of C.S. Lewis and examine the relevance of Lewis' writings today. During this small group event, you'll learn from Rev. Earl Palmer, former senior pastor at University Presbyterian Church and one of the important voices on Lewis in our time, and from SPU President Philip W. Eaton, who has written and spoken extensively on the topic of cultural engagement. The event is September 9-13, 2010, at Oxford's famous Randolph Hotel. The schedule includes time spent in places familiar to Lewis: his home, his church, and his university. For detailed information and a registration form, email lbhall@spu.edu. All the details will be promptly emailed or mailed to you. Come experience a taste of Lewis' life of deep learning and reflection. This is one "Gathering of Friends" you will always remember.

Check out Saturday Morning From My Study for a collection of President Eaton's writings and videos about "things that matter" -- how the Christian gospel speaks into today's culture. Recent posts include the video "A Message to Friends" and the post "Can Politics Ever Provide the Solutions We Need?"

Subscribe to the blog today.


The Value of SPU

Why have so many students and their families invested in a Seattle Pacific University education? Check out these five reasons.


Let Justice Roll On

In October 2010, SPU will release a documentary film about the life and legacy of John Perkins, renowned reconciliation advocate and partner with SPU in the John Perkins Center. Watch the trailer.


SPU Clarifies Alcohol Policy

Seattle Pacific University has clarified its alcohol policy. SPU students of legal age will now be able to make their own choices about off-campus alcohol usage. Read about this policy.


The Buzz on Campus

Keep up with the latest happenings at SPU with The Buzz. Updated weekly on the parents' website, The Buzz lets you know about the world-changing events, lectures, and stories going on at SPU.


Commencement 2010 DVD

Commencement DVDs can be purchased for $13 each. To order a DVD, send a check, payable to SPU, to the Office of Academic Affairs, 3307 Third Ave. W., Suite 102, Seattle, WA 98119. Be sure to include your name, address, and the number of DVDs you wish to purchase. DVDs will be mailed out in July. For more information, email graduationinfo@spu.edu.


Visit SPU This Summer

Check out the campus with one of our Summer Visit Days. You'll tour campus, eat lunch in Gwinn Commons, and meet faculty and students. Dates include June 25; July 2, 16 and 30; and August 6 and 20. Sign up to reserve your spot.


NSA 2010 Sign Up

Make sure your student signs up for New Student Advising, the required advising and registration event for all new undergraduate students. Some sessions have been extended, but spaces are filling fast. Register today!


What Are Summer Socials?

This summer, connect with the SPU community --- outside of campus! Join us for Summer Socials in Denver, Salem, Puyallup, and Bellevue, and meet future and current SPU students, their parents, and alumni. These fill up fast, so RSVP today.


Housing Deadlines

Wonder when room and roommate assignments are sent? If your student's housing application and deposit were received:

• By June 1, assignments will be sent at the beginning of August.

• June 2-August 13, assignments will be sent mid-September.

• After August 13, applications will be processed as space permits.

Contact the Housing Office for more information.


Welcome Week 2010
September 23-26, 2010

During Welcome Week, students move into on-campus housing, meet with other students and professors, and get ready for school to start. This year's Welcome Week is September 23-26. Sign up today.


New Scholarship Endowment for Business and Theology Students

Seattle Pacific University is pleased to announce the establishment of the Jordan L. Crouch Scholarship Endowment. The endowment was established by Jeffrey and Sharon Crouch in memory of their son Jordan, a 2004 graduate with a degree in business administration. An active student and alumnus, Jordan's SPU education was paid for, in part, by scholarships. It was his dream to help students who are financially incapable of continuing their education without assistance. This endowment will fulfill that dream by supporting students studying business or theology with an interest in youth ministry.


Financial Updates From SFS

Invest now in a Prepaid Private College Tuition Plan and receive a discount, available through June 30, 2010. The plan may be accessed in 36 months -- just in time for senior year!

Looking for a fixed-rate loan to assist with your student's college costs? Check out the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan.


Know a Student Looking for Summer Employment?

Encourage your student to save for the school year with a summertime job. If your student will be in the Seattle area, check out our student employment job site.


Does Your Grad Need Health Insurance?

Do you know of a graduate who needs medical coverage to fill the gap between graduation and employee benefits at his or her first job? GradMed® short-term medical insurance is an excellent choice.


Summertime Tweets

Keep up with the latest SPU news and tips via our Twitter feeds.
• Center for Career and Calling
• Student Financial Services
• SPUbird
• SPUnews


Are These Dates on Your Calendar? When are grades available to view? (Answer: June 22). What is the last day your student can register for classes? (Answer: October 1). Find out more important dates.


Give Some Memories:
Cascade Yearbook

Help your student make his or her SPU memories last with the gift of a yearbook. Contact Alex Hancock at alexh13@spu.edu for more information or purchase one today.