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October 2014 | Volume 8, Issue 9
 We're Here to Help
I love this time of year on our campus. The quiet summer months are finally over and SPU students have returned, providing a buzz of excitement and energy. Students are already rolling up their sleeves and jumping right into their studies and activities. I am once again reminded of our students' quality and character.
I've had the privilege of working with SPU parents and students for the last 13 years: 10 years as an enrollment officer and now three years as an advancement officer, so I fully understand the importance of your role as parents in the success of your sons and daughters. They probably wouldn't be at SPU if it weren't for you and the support you give them. We are so grateful that you and your students are a part of the SPU family, and we want to give you opportunities to continue to invest in their academic experience and community.
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Inside SPU
 In Search of Fearless Faith
At SPU, Christian faith is woven throughout the academic disciplines in many creative ways, reflecting diverse faith traditions. Associate Professor of Philosophy Patrick McDonald helps students tackle challenging questions, make a case for their beliefs, and engage others in the discussion.
Freshmen Engaging the Culture, Changing the World
One of the highlights of Orientation, CityQuest inspires incoming SPU students to engage the culture through community service. New students spent Saturday, September 27, serving at 35 Seattle-area nonprofits.
View photo album
SPU Ranked a "Best Value"
Seattle Pacific University ranked No. 4 in the category "Best Colleges -- Best Value" in the West in U.S. News & World Report magazine's 2015 college rankings. U.S. News says, "The calculation used here takes into account a school's academic quality, as indicated by its 2015 U.S. News Best Colleges ranking, and the 2013-14 net cost of attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid. The higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal."
Events
 Register Now for Mom's Day
SPU Mom's Day is Saturday, November 1 -- and tickets are selling fast! This event, themed "Oh, The Places You'll Go," is the perfect way to reconnect with your son or daughter and with other SPU moms and students.
The morning begins with a parent prayer meeting at 8:30 a.m. Check in for the brunch at 10 a.m. in Upper Gwinn Commons. The meal includes a welcome from Pam Martin, wife of President Dan Martin, and an overview of SPU's Study Abroad programs by Director Gail DeBell, with students sharing their stories of traveling, studying, and life-changing experiences.
In the afternoon, you and your student can enjoy a cruise of nearby lakes or explore your student's favorite Seattle spots. The evening culminates with dinner on or off campus and a spirited Falcon women's volleyball match vs. Montana State Billings at Royal Brougham Pavilion.
Brunch is $25 per person. Brunch plus the boat cruise is $56 per person.
More information and registration:
Online
Phone: 206-281-2586
Email
We hope to see you on campus November 1!
Day of Common Learning: "The Promise and Perils of Power"
Parents and community members are invited to SPU's 13th annual Day of Common Learning on Wednesday, October 22. On this special campus in-service day, faculty, staff, and students learn together outside the classroom. The theme for this year is "The Promise and Perils of Power: Fostering Human Flourishing in a Broken World."
The day begins at 10 a.m. in Royal Brougham Pavilion with a keynote address by Andy Crouch, executive editor of Christianity Today, titled "The Good News About Power." Crouch is the author of Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power and Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling. The afternoon features presentations and discussions led by SPU faculty, staff, and students.
Faculty News
 Achterman Examines Internships
An article by Assistant Professor of Communication Peg Achterman titled "Do Student Internships Really Work? Digital Tools Can Help Evaluate Them" was published online at pbs.org's Media Shift, which focuses on digital media.
Braden's Essay Published
The online version of Earth Island Journal published Professor of Geography Kathleen Braden's essay "Religion Needs Wilderness." The essay was part of the journal's celebration of the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Wilderness Act.
Brown Leads Service Learning Symposium
Associate Professor of Psychology Margaret Brown led a symposium at the Society for the Teaching of Psychology convention in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 10. In her symposium, "Developing Psychologically Literate Citizens Through Service Learning: From Knowledge to Engagement," Brown recommended service learning as a high-impact teaching practice best suited to fulfilling the American Psychological Association's learning goals in the most recent APA Guidelines for Undergraduate Psychology Majors.
Other News
 New Residence Hall Opens
Arnett Hall, SPU's newest residence hall, opened September 24. The centrally located building houses 150 students and features suite-style rooms, a comfortable main lounge and lounges on each floor, an exercise room, sweeping views of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Cascade Mountains, and a rooftop deck.
Support for Freshmen Women
Women ROCK is an innovative program at SPU just for freshmen women. Participants meet weekly in small groups during Autumn Quarter to learn how to relax their bodies and minds in fun, interactive ways. Participants learn how stress affects physical/emotional health and practice useful relaxation skills such as progressive muscle relaxation and mindful eating. The program, supported through the Office of Academic Affairs, is run by graduate psychology students and faculty.
Service of Rededication of the SPU Campus
Following Opening Chapel on October 1, the SPU community gathered in Tiffany Loop and on the steps of McKinley Hall for a prayer service to bless and rededicate our campus space. University Chaplain Bo Lim led students, faculty, staff, and friends of SPU in prayer, song, and Scripture reading.
Questions or Comments?
We'd love to hear from you. Let us know what's on your mind, or how we can help. Submit your questions and comments by emailing to parents@spu.edu.
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Service of Rededication of the SPU Campus