125 Years: Our Quasquicentennial
In 1891, 125 years ago, forward-thinking leaders in the Washington-Oregon Conference of the Free Methodist Church decided to establish a school on a five-acre plot of pasture land on the north slope of Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill. They called it Seattle Seminary.
Opening its doors in 1893, the Seminary served 34 elementary through high school students that first year. In 1915, the Seminary grew into Seattle Pacific College and, in 1977, Seattle Pacific University. From the early days to the present, the founders’ guiding vision of preparing students academically and for service on the mission field — and later in all professions — has continued to flourish.
And now Seattle Pacific is recognizing its 125th anniversary, or officially, its “Quasquicentennial” (easier done than said). This will be a time to reflect on our Christian heritage, engage constituents to increase their connection to us, and envision what the University can accomplish in the future.
Throughout this academic year, a wide variety of events and activities will support these goals. Key ongoing “signature” events include the all-alumni Grand Reunion and the Day of Common Learning (both in October); Sacred Sounds of Christmas (November); Homecoming 2017 (February); and a Gala 125th Celebration (May). New activities include a 125,000-hour service challenge where the entire SPU community (students, faculty, staff, and alumni) commemorate SPU’s historic commitment to serving others by tracking volunteer hours in all types of service throughout the year (see spu.edu/125k).
For a complete list (that’s continually being updated), go to the SPU 125th web page (spu.edu/125). We invite you to celebrate with us in activities throughout the year. Because, you only turn 125 once!