Governor Gary Locke and his staff, leadership from both sides of the aisle, and hundreds of ordinary citizens from across the state gathered near the capitol to pray together and receive inspiration from popular author and educator Tony Campolo. Helping chair the event was Dave Quall, Seattle Pacific graduate of 1961, and Democratic representative of the 40th Legislative District.
"The focus was on Jesus and his teachings," says Quall. "We left political issues at the door."
This is Quall's sixth year as a state representative and a coordinator of the annual breakfast. He also meets for a half-hour every Tuesday morning with 30-40 "brothers and sisters united in Christ" before they head for the floor of the legislature.
Joining Quall at the breakfast this year were several other SPU graduates, including Martha Oaks Ensign '52, Bill Hart '56, Ruth Clement Hart '55, Peggy Johnson '52, Joel Paget '67 and Jeff Vancil '73. Seattle Pacific student body president Ryan T. Smith also attended the breakfast, as well as a leadership forum with the governor's staff.
For Johnson, Republican representative for the 35th Legislative District and chair of the House Education Committee, the emphasis on prayer is vital to her work. "As a Christian and someone who appreciates biblical values and perspective, it's a privilege to be able to honor God at a prayer breakfast with other legislators who make the laws that affect the people of this state."
The annual state prayer breakfast is an outgrowth of the National Prayer Breakfast, which for 19 years has been coordinated in part by 1967 alumnus Wes Anderson.
Jeff Barker '76, a professor of acting and directing at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, has written nearly 50 comedies, dramas and musicals for radio, video and stage. In 1995, his sensitive and moving play about sexual abuse, Unspoken for Time, won the Meritorious Achievement Award by The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. SPU produced the play's West Coast premiere for this year's Homecoming theatre presentation.
Eugene Parkins '57 spent 18 years with Arctic Missions in isolated Yukon River Indian villages, and served as a business manager and director of development for Aldersgate Bible College in Canada. For the past 14 years, he was executive director of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Canada and spearheaded the first Canadian operational program. Under his guidance, MAF placed airplanes and staff in Angola and launched a similar program in The Philippines. Parkins retired last September.
"I appreciate the closeness of our class all these years," Ray says. "We plan to have class president Robert Lansing and student body president Don Taylor with us for what promises to be a great time!"
Special Class of '48 reunion events will include the Ivy Cutting ceremony with the 1998 graduating class; a group photo in the Loop; the "50-Year Ring" presentation ceremony with President Philip Eaton; dinner and a walk down memory lane; and a barbecue at the Camano Island home of classmates Bob and Betty Corson.
Please RSVP to the Alumni Center at 206/281-ALUM.
Because of conflicts with family vacations and the opening of school for kids, the annual Casey gathering has for the first time been moved from Labor Day Weekend to August 21-23. Unchanged is a full slate of fun featuring old favorites like beachcombing, rocket launching, salmon bake, talent show, swimming and a great deal more. This year for the first time, tours have been arranged of the Naval Air Station at Oak Harbor.
Watch for the Casey Weekend '98 brochure with complete program and registration information to be mailed this spring.
Please read our disclaimer.
Send any questions, comments or correspondence about Response to
jgilnett@spu.edu
|