Honoring Our Roots

Seattle Pacific University was founded in 1891 by forward-thinking Free Methodist pioneers with a vision for preparing young people to take the gospel into the world. Today we honor the founders’ global vision and passion for scholarly excellence as we celebrate Seattle Pacific’s 125th anniversary. It’s a chance to reflect on our storied past while looking forward to an exciting future.

Commencement 2016 marked the beginning of this year of celebration, honoring the quasquicentennial anniversary. Although classes at Seattle Seminary didn’t officially begin until 1893, our founding year of 1891 marks the year the Washington and Oregon conference of the Free Methodist Church met for the first time to affirm the formation of a school. It would be a Christian liberal arts-based education, in keeping with the values of Free Methodist founder B.T. Roberts.

“The future of the cause of God will be greatly affected by the training of the rising generation,” Roberts wrote in his newspaper, The Earnest Christian. “Let us do all we can to have them trained up aright.”

The summer’s celebrations also included a worship service held in cooperation with the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Free Methodist Church, honoring that founding, and by a “Founding Day” celebration, on June 24, exactly 125 years following the inaugural board of trustees meeting. But opportunities for all members of the SPU community to participate in this year of celebration lie ahead. Won’t you join us?

A Year of Celebration

Honoring the 125th anniversary of Seattle Pacific University cannot be contained in one event or ceremony. Instead, we’ll spend a full year celebrating the enduring mission of our University and vibrancy of SPU students and alumni have brought to the community and the world at large. A variety of events throughout the year pay homage to this landmark moment in SPU history.

These events cover the gamut of SPU’s broad mission, spanning the educational and recreational, the traditional and the contemporary. Mark your calendars so you can participate in this unique occasion in our history.

Visit spu.edu/125 for a list of events.