A Fellowship of Colleagues

“My No. 1 goal is to make sure people have a reason to get up in the morning,” laughs Michael Macdonald, Seattle Pacific University professor emeritus of European studies.

Macdonald is talking about his work as president of SPU’s emeriti faculty. He may be retired, but he’s not getting tired at all.

He recently collaborated with colleagues on a mission statement to frame the form and function of the emeriti faculty community. The declaration asserts that they “will continue collegial fellowship … actively support the ongoing mission of the University … and continue our participation in the intellectual and spiritual life of the Christian higher education community.” It also concerns the enhancement of “the spiritual, psychological, and physical well-being of our members.”

“When you give your life to something," says Macdonald, "and then all of a sudden you don’t have it, it affects some people negatively. Some retire and then, like me, they can’t get away because they don’t want to. It’s my goal to make sure that everybody who wants to stay connected can.”

Emeriti faculty members meet at annual luncheons hosted by SPU President Philip Eaton and springtime teas hosted by Vice President for Academic Affairs Les Steele. And they are invited to attend Faculty Retreat, Faculty Senate meetings, Faculty Retirement Dinner, and other campus events throughout the year.

Wesley Lingren, professor emeritus of chemistry and former faculty athletic representative, is editing a newsletter for the group, with ongoing updates about its members. “It’s the most exciting thing that’s happened on my watch,” says Macdonald. “It holds us together.”

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A Fellowship of Colleagues