Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future
Dedication Day for Tiffany Loop and Science Building
ANYONE WHO VISITED Seattle Pacific University on September
24, 2003, knew there was a celebration in the forecast. Oversized balloon
topiaries swayed in the late morning breeze, and hundreds of people poured
into the center of campus for the Tiffany Loop and Science Building dedication
ceremonies.
Hosted by President Philip Eaton, the day’s events began with the
introduction of three special guests: Alice Horton and her daughters,
Charlotte Smyth ’91 and Rose Malsed. Horton is the great-granddaughter
of former Seattle Pacific President Orrin Tiffany and Dean of Women Grace
Tiffany.
As if a page had been torn from history, the three women arrived
in a 1928 Ford Model A. They were dressed in turn-of-the-century attire
to honor the legacy of Tiffany Hall, razed in 2001 to prepare for the
new Science Building. Smyth says that the day was preceded by much prayer. “It
was very hard to see Tiffany Hall taken down, but through prayer, God
told me to see a greater picture — the vision of President Eaton
for expansion of the University’s scientific programs.”
A ceremonial ribbon-cutting officially marked the naming of Tiffany Loop. “We’re
honored that the name has transferred to The Loop, which is a very special
place in itself,” says Smyth.
Afterward, guests were treated to an old-fashioned picnic, followed by
yet another celebration: the dedication of the new Science Building. “This
is a huge moment for the SPU community,” said Eaton. “This
is a project that fits our vision to engage the culture and change the
world. We already have alumni scientists all over the world; we also
have science educators who are making a difference. Now we look to the
future. Think of the research and the graduates who will come out of
this building!”
Vice President for Academic Affairs Les Steele
added, “The location of the Science Building on Tiffany Loop completes
the circle of education, the arts, the professions and the sciences.”
The story had come full circle in more ways than one. Following the
festivities, Smyth noted with a bemused smile, “I just learned
that Tiffany Hall held SPU’s first science lab.”
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