It’s About Character
Campaign Chair Bruce Walker Shares SPU’s Values
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“You don’t have to be a graduate of Seattle Pacific to be
impressed with the quality of students and the philosophy
of this University. That is tremendously attractive to people
who are not necessarily connected in a direct way to SPU.”
BRUCE WALKER
CHAIRMAN, VALCO GRAPHICS
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He’s not an alumnus of Seattle Pacific University,
nor is he the parent of a graduate. But there is something that
keeps Bruce Walker deeply connected to SPU, and that’s character.
“We need character in this country in the most urgent way,” says
Walker. “Each Seattle Pacific graduate who goes out into the world
can and will make a difference; I am continually impressed by that
fact.”
Chair of The Campaign for Seattle Pacific University, Walker is
someone who doesn’t wait for the ink to dry on one project before
beginning the next — literally. He is chairman and co-owner of Valco
Graphics, a large-scale printing, mailing and fulfillment enterprise
based in Seattle. In 1987, Walker purchased the fledgling company
with his longtime associate, Bob Valentine, and together they breathed
new life into the business. It now employs more than 100 people
and serves such clients as the Bon Marché and Microsoft.
In his off hours, Walker works just as fervently as a volunteer,
contributing time and expertise to businesses and nonprofit organizations
in the Puget Sound area. The United Way, Lighthouse for the Blind,
the Washington Athletic Club and the University of Washington Alumni
Association are just a few of the organizations that have benefited
from his leadership.
SPU is also one of his causes. From fund raising for the University’s
library, built in 1994, to his current work as trustee, Walker has
worn many hats on behalf of Seattle Pacific. “I grew up with the
motto, ‘Service is a price you pay for the space you occupy,’” he
says. “Service has always been important to me, and SPU has been
an outlet.”
It was 15 years ago, over a bacon-and-eggs breakfast with former
School of Business and Economics Dean Joe Hope, that Walker first
discovered what Seattle Pacific was all about. He recalls being
profoundly impressed with the University’s Christian mission and,
as he says, “the rest is history.”
“It was kind of like walking into quicksand,” he laughs. Walker’s
high-profile role as chair of The Campaign for Seattle Pacific University
is arguably his most ambitious volunteer position to date. Leading
hundreds of volunteers toward fund-raising goal of $52.85 million
is not an easy proposition. I consider it an honor to work with
the other volunteers in this Campaign,” says the former Air Force
pilot. “This is a position that gives me the opportunity to really
make an impact.”
Though Seattle Pacific has reached nearly 60 percent of its Campaign
goal to date, Walker is realistic about the challenge on the horizon.
“In the last eight months, the economy has deteriorated remarkably,
particularly in the Northwest,” he says, “and that will make our
job more difficult. Our goal is the same, however. We need to build
SPU’s endowment so that we can attract the kind of faculty and students
who will continue the University’s contribution to the community.”
Broad-based support is critical, he explains. “One major thrust
of the Campaign is to widen the base of support, to encourage more
graduates — and non-graduates, like myself — to give.”
Why do people invest in SPU? It’s not always about longtime relationship
with the University, says Walker, but about values. “You don’t have
to be a graduate of Seattle Pacific to be impressed with the quality
of students and the philosophy of this University. That is tremendously
attractive to people who are not necessarily connected in a direct
way to SPU.”
Along with career and volunteer work, Walker’s days are filled to
the brim with family and friends. A member of University Presbyterian
Church in Seattle, he shares his life with Judy, his wife of 46
years; his three children; and his three grandchildren. On a Saturday
morning, you’ll likely find him taking in good book, tending to
his garden, throwing out a fishing line or completing h is latest
woodwork ing project at the couple’s weekend home on Whidbey Island.
If asked for the secret to such a full, successful life, Walker
would likely give a humble reply. His colleagues and friends, however,
will share the real answer — and that’s character. Walker is a man
who believes in character, seeks to foster it in others and works
to preserve its existence at Seattle Pacific University.
“The university experience is certainly about learning, but also
know it has to do with character-building,” says Walker. I believe
that character can be taught. This happens at SPU, and it’s enormously
appealing to me.”
— BY SARAH JIO
— PHOTOS BY GREG SCHNEIDER
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