Your Student and the University Years
The university years are one of the most important periods in a young person’s life. It’s a time when important and lasting change happens.
This is why we focus at Seattle Pacific University on providing a student experience that is both holistic and transformative. Many universities will talk about their academic focus. At SPU, we are equally concerned about academic excellence, but we’re also thinking about preparing students for all of life. The SPU student’s experience is “holistic” because we strive to help students develop the multiple dimensions of their lives: academic, spiritual, physical, social, and vocational.
When we talk of a “transformative” student experience, it’s not about doing away with the old, but renewing and grounding young lives for a greater purpose. Our goal is that students will find the individual paths God has for them, that they will be able to answer the questions: “Why am I here?” “Why are we all here?” It is our hope that they will be renewed in their own heart and spirit and mind to be the people God has called them to be.
My experience is that SPU students — more so than students on other campuses where I’ve been — have a large world view, want to understand the complexities of addressing real-world problems, and aspire to change things. One of the things I love most about my job as a university president are the conversations I get to have with SPU students. There is a confidence level in them, both in their ability to perform in the classroom, but also in their ability to go out and make a difference.
I love to hear about students’ dreams and vision for the future. It renews my desire to be a resource and encourager, challenging students –– and the campus –– to strive for the highest level of excellence.
Thank you for the privilege of being part of your student’s life during these formative years.
Daniel J. Martin
President
@SPUPres