I am pleased to announce the speakers for our year-end High Ceremony events. For more information about these speakers, Ivy Cutting, and the Graduate and Undergraduate Commencements, visit the Commencement website.

Undergraduate Commencement speaker is William C. Bell, president and chief executive officer of Casey Family Programs.

In his role at Casey Family Programs, William chairs the executive team and is ultimately responsible for the vision, mission, strategies, and objectives of the nation’s largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care in the United States. He has nearly 40 years experience in the human services field, mainly focused on child welfare, and he has served on numerous boards focused on Black achievement, violence reduction, and equitable opportunity. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Delta State University, Hunter College, and City University of New York. 

Graduate Commencement speaker is Steve Moore, executive director of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and former SPU vice president for campus life.

Steve has led this nonprofit foundation for 15 years, and under his leadership, the Murdock Trust has invested more than $720 million through more than 4,000 grants to nonprofits, grown its endowment to over $2 billion, expanded the foundation’s enrichment programs to provide development and educational opportunities for nonprofit leaders and organizations, served as a catalytic investor in the Vancouver, Washington, waterfront renaissance, and invested thoughtfully in helping organizations find common ground to solve complex challenges facing the diverse communities of the Pacific Northwest.

Ivy Cutting faculty speaker is Robert Drovdahl, professor of educational ministry at Seattle Pacific University.

Bob has been a faculty member at SPU for 40 years, and retires at the end of Spring Quarter as professor of educational ministry. He graduated from Seattle Pacific College in 1971, and before joining the Seattle Pacific faculty, he was the director of Camp Casey for four years.

A message from University Ministries: We invite the SPU community to gather and join us in communal and individual prayer this week. This is the time to intercede for the work of the Holy Spirit to guide us in our discernment process as a university. May we seek God together, asking “God, what are you doing here at SPU. And how do we cooperate and move with the work you are already doing on our campus? God, help us to offer ourselves to you and to one another."

Tuesday Prayer and Communion Chapel at 11:10 a.m. in Upper Gwinn. We will pray for our community, the board meeting, and for the Holy Spirit to lead and guide this work on our campus. Professor of Biblical Studies Sara Koenig will also lead us in word and sacrament. What a gift to be grounded together, leaning into the work of the cross during this sacred and defining time.

Wednesday Group at 7 p.m. in the Fireside Room (SUB). Gather together with other students for worship at our weekly Wednesday night worship gathering. Join Minister Alex for pizza, prayer, and conversation to chat about the things taking place on campus — we want to be "with you" and are here for you!

Thursday & Friday Prayer Labyrinth in Martin Square. We invite you to take some time to walk the prayer labyrinth. Come pick up a prayer guide, remove your shoes, and seek the Lord individually or in a group.\

Thursday & Friday Bring a Friend for a warm drink and prayer in Martin Square. We invite you to come and pray individually, or bring another person to pray with or come on over for a staff or department meeting, grab a cup of coffee, a prayer guide, and pray together during this important time in the life of our university.

Friday Praying the Rosary at 12–12:30 p.m. in Alexander & Adelaide Hall Chapel. We invite you to join us in this time facilitated by Carlos Arias, assistant professor of computer science.

NEXT MONDAY, May 23, 12–1 p.m. in Chaplain Lisa's Office in the Upper SUB. Come drop in for coffee, tea, a conversation and a time to create your own prayer bead practice as we do life together at SPU.

The SPU Student Counseling Center and Active Minds Club are co-hosting "Let’s Talk About It!" on Thursday, May 19, 12–2 p.m. in Tiffany Loop. This is an event to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, as well as provide a positive boost for the campus community as we finish the academic year. There will be therapy dogs, free boba tea, and more! Email scc@spu.edu with questions.

Each year, SPU’s Center for Faithful Business, in partnership with the SPU Library, invites scholars and business practitioners from around the world to apply for the Bill Pollard Faith & Business Research Fellowship. Now in its fourth year, the fellowship provides the opportunity to conduct research in a seminar-like setting, where successful applicants interact with colleagues in a cohort-based approach. The vast onsite resource of the Pollard papers and the SPU Library’s Work and Faith Collection anchor this research.

The 2021 Pollard Scholars will present their research findings on campus Friday, May 20, at 2 p.m. in the Library Seminar Room. Drs. Maria Lam, Jooho Lee, Larry Sharp, and John Terrill will participate in a panel discussion. Dr. Terrill, who won the “Best Paper” award, will present his work in more detail. We invite you to join us in celebrating these scholars’ contributions to the field of faith and business.

Whether or not you are a veteran, you may have a connection to someone who was killed in action (KIA) or missing in action (MIA) while serving this country. Some of us may have a connection to a veteran who died by suicide. This year during May and in honor of Memorial Day on Monday, May 30, we invite you to add the name, photo, and/or brief story about the fallen service members who have impacted your life on the Memorial Day Tree.

The SPU Art Department presents the Senior Illustration Exhibition "WOVEN," featuring the kaleidoscopic works of Meg Rouse, Moira Dewey, Joshua Hyodo, Audrey Marble, and Leslie Lee. The 2022 Illustration cohort is presenting a variety of illustrative storytelling, including comics, illustration, children's books, storyboarding, murals, and animation.

The exhibit will be held in the Seattle Pacific Art Center (SPAC) at 3 West Cremona Street. A reception for the artists will be held Thursday, May 19, 5–7 p.m. with artists in attendance. All are welcome to join, please stop by to say "hello." The exhibition will be on view through May 24.

The SPU Music Department is offering a series of choral and instrumental events in May, including an extraordinary finale to the academic year with a combined concert of the SPU choirs, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra on May 25 and 26. The evening will include performances of works composed with “great expectations” for their premiere, including winners of the inaugural student composition contest, winners from the annual student concerto competition, and a full performance of Beethoven’s Mass in C major. You can attend the concert, offered both evenings, in person or via livestream. Visit the LIVE! from SPU Music webpage for details.

Virtually connect on Wednesday, May 18, at 7 p.m. with colleagues, donors, alumni, and parents to experience how Seattle Pacific’s mission is carried out through the Center for Faithful Business and its documentary film series, Faith & Co. This captivating series inspires our students and people around the globe to approach work differently as faithful followers of Christ. Interim President Pete Menjares will present the 2022 President's Award for Philanthropy to Seattle Pacific donors Eric and Keri Stumberg for their extraordinary generosity which made Faith & Co. possible. Register today.

Falcon Athletics "Learn to Row Summer Camp" for youth in grades 8-12 is July 11–21! This coed camp is a great way to try a new sport that may open the door to future opportunities. Fun fact: 90% of SPU’s nationally ranked team had no rowing experience before trying out. As a reminder, children of SPU faculty and staff receive a 25% discount! Contact Stan McDonald in Athletics at mcdonalds1@spu.edu for the discount code to register online.

Seattle Pacific University’s Theatre Department will present “String” on May 19–21 and May 25–28 in E.E Bach Theatre in McKinley Hall. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m., with the exception of an additional matinee performance on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 2:30 p.m.

Written by Sarah Hammond and composed by Adam Gwon, this original rom-com musical follows three goddesses, known as the Fates. After angering Zeus, they find themselves banished to a modern office building in the mortal world. A play about fate, love, and the imperfections that make us human.

SPU faculty and staff members can redeem seats for two free tickets on the night of their choice by emailing the Box Office at boxoffice@spu.edu or calling 206-281-2959.

 

SPU Volleyball Summer Camps and Clinics are just around the corner! With a camp for each grade and skill level, we would love to have your daughters join us this summer as we enjoy and grow in the game of volleyball. As a reminder, children of SPU faculty and staff receive a 25% discount! We hope to be a part of your summer plans! Register online.

Fall/winter reservation requests are now being taken for the Faculty/Staff House at SPU's Camp Casey on Whidbey Island. Full-time faculty and staff can make a reservation request for periods of stay between Sept. 12–Jan. 4, 2023.  Reservation requests are due by June 3, 2022. These requests are selected by lottery and are not affected by summer stays at Casey. If you are curious on how to stay at Camp Casey with discounted faculty and staff rates, check out the new HR wiki. Questions? Contact Camp Casey at campcasey@spu.edu.

Enjoy these dining specials in May:

Gwinn Commons:

• May 18: Pancake Bar — Pancake Bar at lunch
• May 24: Mac and Cheese Bar — Macaroni and Cheese bar at lunch
• May 26: Clam Bake (Swipe Plus) — For an extra swipe at dinner students and guests can get food from the clam bake section
• May 30: Memorial Day — Hours of operation will be breakfast/lunch: 9 a.m.–2 p.m., and dinner: 5–7 p.m.

SPU’s retail locations:

• May 18: Footlong Special at Subway — $6 Cold Cut Combo Footlong
• May 26: Einstein’s Special — Small smoothie and cookie for $6.39

The Faculty/Staff Bulletin is published weekly during the academic year. The next deadline is Thursday, May 19, and the next issue will be published Monday, May 23.

If you have information or event news, send it as soon as possible with an image or graphic to Bulletin editor Tracy Norlen at fsb-editor@spu.edu. Submissions may be edited for clarity.

In recognition of his service to the SPU community, Russ Howard, project planner in Facilities and Project Management, was nominated by his peers and selected by Staff Council as the April Staff Member of the Month. Congratulations and thank you, Russ! Learn more about Russ and nominate a colleague for recognition on the Staff Council website.

Bruce Baker, associate professor of business, 13 years of service

Having had careers as a tech entrepreneur, corporate executive, ordained minister, and scholar, Bruce is that rare “quadruple-threat” professor. His teaching and writing explore the intersection of technology, culture, business, and ethics — all through a theological lens.

Bruce served two “tours of duty” in the School of Business, Government, and Economics — before and after earning his PhD in theology at University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He taught a range of management, ethics, spirituality, and theology courses and is a frequent contributor to the ongoing theological conversation around faith and entrepreneurship. He has been active in organizing and catalyzing conversations among practitioners and theologians on cutting-edge issues in finance and technology.

John Bond, professor of educational administration and supervision, 13 years of service

John joined the School of Education faculty in 2008 as a professor in the Educational Leadership Department. His primary role has been teaching principal and superintendent certification courses, supervising interns, and engaging with public school leaders throughout the state. John’s scholarship includes 20 authored or coauthored articles and book chapters, along with many presentations at professional conferences. In recent years he has served as the department chair and as a doctoral faculty member.

Prior to coming to SPU, John worked in the Northshore School District for 36 years, beginning as a fifth grade teacher and ending with eight years as assistant superintendent. In between, he served as an assistant principal for four years and a principal for 16. This spring marks John’s 50th year as an educator. As he transitions into retirement, John is looking forward to devoting more time to family and hobbies, including carpentry, auto mechanics, and fixing up an old house with his wife.

Christopher Hanson, assistant professor of music, was invited to be the guest lecturer for the “Shades of Africa Festival” at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) on April 23, 2022. He was in residency at UMD for three days offering lectures on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in music and education.

After review by the appropriate National Association for Music Education society, Christopher was invited to present a research paper titled “The Paradox of Accountability in Developing Teacher Agency,” as a research presentation at the 2022 NAfME national conference on November 2-6, 2022, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, near Washington, DC.

Additionally, a recorded performance and review of SPU's presentation of Jared Impichchaachaaha' Tate’s “Chokfi” under the direction of Christopher, was recently published in the College Music Symposium, a journal of the College Music Society.

Select the link to see related photos of Christopher and others.

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Kimberly Sawers, professor of accounting in the School of Business, Government, and Economics, had a book chapter titled “Developing the Sustainable Mindset and Leadership” published in Sustainability Mindset and Transformational Leadership, edited by Aixa A. Ritz and Isabel Rimanoczy.

Applications to join Staff Council are open until Wednesday, June 1. Meet other staff members from across the SPU campus, help plan and execute events that educate and/or celebrate staff members, and more. Staff Council members meet once a month, possibly more often if an event is scheduled that month. Learn more and apply here.

Alberto Ferreiro, professor of European history, attended via Zoom the 57th International Congress on Medieval Studies that normally takes place at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He chaired the session "Sermons and Saints " for the International Medieval Sermons Society of which he is a member. He led the discussion of the various papers that were presented while in Lisbon, Portugal.

Jason Thornberry, receptionist for the School of Education and adjunct professor, recently had his prose poem,“ Fool’s Gold,” published by Open: Journal of Arts & Letters. This poem will also appear in the 2022 Broadside series available through Buttonhook Press. Jason’s work has appeared in The Los Angeles Review of Books, Broadkill Review, and elsewhere.

Mohammad Qadam Shah, assistant professor of global development, had his recent op-ed, “More Than Aid, Afghanistan Needs an Aid Management System,” published in the Diplomat magazine.

A recent PsyPost published “New psychology research links belief in supernatural evil to more stringent immigration attitudes” about research that was published in the Journal for the Scientific of Religion by Joshua Tom, assistant professor of sociology, Brandon Martinez of Providence College, and Joseph Baker, East Tennessee State University.

For his monthly cartoon, Nate Hoover, associate director for the Center for Biblical and Theological Education, explains this month’s feature: This black hole has singularity of purpose: to make its space cleaner. To see more of my cartoons, you can find me on Instagram: @hoovernathaniel.

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