Award-winning poet and SPU Professor of English Jennifer Maier will read from her latest book at the Library's “Creative Conversations” event on Thursday, May 22, 3-3:50 p.m. in the Library Reading Room. Now, Now tackles questions of time and memory and how our perceptions are shaped, moment by moment, within the continuous meeting of past and future.

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The SPU community is invited to a campus observance of Memorial Day on Tuesday, May 27, 12:15-1:30 p.m. in the SUB Gazebo Room. The luncheon is a time of fellowship and to remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the service of this country. 

The event will begin with a few words about the holiday and a reading of the names of SPU community members who died while serving in the armed forces. The Veteran and Military Support Cadre is sponsoring the event. The SPU community is also invited to stop by the entrance of Gwinn Commons where the cadre’s student leadership has created a memorial of pictures and biographies of those SPU members who have died serving our country. 

If you have questions, contact cadre co-leader Associate Professor of Psychology Margaret Brown at mbrown@spu.edu or 206-281-2940.

Please join Campus Dining in celebrating the “Aloha spirit” at the second annual Ho’loaule’a Celebration on Wednesday, May 21, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in Gwinn Commons. This traditional luau will feature kalua pork, loco moco, taro bubble tea, guava cake, as well as a live performance by singer and guitarist Lauren Furuya and a dance performance by the SPU Ohana ‘O Hawai Club.

The annual President’s Spring Forum honoring faculty and staff is Thursday, May 22, 11:10 a.m. (new time this year) in Royal Brougham Pavilion, with a community reception afterward. Offices will be closed during that time to encourage everyone to attend.

University Communications needs help identifying outstanding students from this year's graduating class. This request is for undergraduate and graduate students. These students and their achievements will be pitched to media outlets prior to Commencement, as well as for promotional purposes. Please send the name(s) of the students and a short description about why you are recommending them. Examples would be students who overcame obstacles to graduate, were involved in community service projects, participated in innovative research, started a new venture, took a class that changed their career direction, or did something really interesting. Basically, anything that would make a good story! We will follow up with the student and get permission to use his or her profile. Send information by email to Manager of Public Information Tracy Norlen at tcnorlen@spu.edu.

The Center for Career and Calling is hosting their last career event of the year on Tuesday, May 20, 5:30-7 p.m. in Demaray Hall 150. The “BIG Employer Panel” features representatives from some of the biggest companies in the Pacific Northwest ― Microsoft, Boeing, Nordstrom, Starbucks, and Amazon. Encourage your students to attend. Faculty, staff, and alumni are welcome.

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Local artists will join the SPU Gospel Choir and Worship Arts Ensemble for a concert of original compositions, Fijian sacred hymns, and the “Hallelujah” chorus from the “Soulful Messiah” on Tuesday, May 20, 7:30 p.m., at First Free Methodist Church. Joining the SPU musicians will be the First Fijian United Methodist Choir from Shoreline, who will sing traditional Fijian songs and hymns. The concert will also feature local guest conductor Juan Huey Ray. The First Fijian United Methodist Choir is directed by Choir Leader Melesiana Kete and Pastor Jale Tuirotuma. The Gospel Choir and Worship Arts Ensemble are directed by Associate Professor of Music Stephen Newby.

Goal salary, range breaks, NO9, PDP - are these terms familiar? Take the mystery out of SPU’s staff compensation system by attending the next Staff Forum on Wednesday, May 21, 1-2:30 p.m. in Upper Gwinn Commons. New professional development opportunities will also be unveiled. Guest speakers are Don Mortenson, senior vice president for planning and administration; and Gary Womelsduff, director of human resources. Don’t miss this important, informative conversation. The schedule includes two 20-30 minute presentations, each followed by Q&A. Submit your questions beforehand online. The forum is hosted by the Staff Council.

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The staff of Human Resources would like to thank everyone who attended the recent Benefits Fair. Hopefully your benefits questions were answered in one place and you enjoyed the food and a chance to visit with co-workers. Congratulations to the 18 lucky employees who won door prizes. We really appreciate our vendors providing these prizes – they are very generous and really care about and enjoy our employees. The grand prize winners ($200 cash each) were: Kyara Hartman, Conference Services, and Kelli Knapp, Student Academic Services. Please congratulate all the winners, and see you next year.

Barbara Davisson, Student Financial Services: a Fitbit Zip donated by AON
Chad Steele, Student Academic Services: a Starbucks gift bag donated by BAC
Frank Kinard, Mailing & Copying Services: a free night at Fort Casey Inn donated by Casey Conference Center
Nyaradzo Mvududu, Education: an electric travel toothbrush donated by Delta Dental
Marci Walden, Finance: an insulated cup donated by LTC Solutions
Cherry Gilbert, Finance: a Fitbit Flex donated by Cigna
Jean Brown, Health Services: a Fitbit Zip donated by Cigna
Lynn Russell, Residence Life: an iPod shuffle donated by Cigna
Ramona Holmes, Music: an REI gift card donated by Safety & Security
Annabell DuMez, Residence Life: a gym bag donated by SECU
Baine Craft, Psychology, Family and Community: an Amazon gift card donated by Staff Council
Jennifer Anderson, Education: a Starbucks gift card donated by Transamerica Retirement Solutions
Robbin O’Leary, Mathematics: a portable power charger donated by US Bank
Gaylene Altman, Health Sciences: Michael Kors sunglasses donated by VSP
Noah Simpson, Admissions: a gift certificate donated by Zipcar
Rondi Bard, Student Financial Services: a gift certificate donated by Zipcar

The work of seniors in visual communications will be featured at SPU’s Art Center Gallery May 22-June 13. The exhibit, titled “The Fifth Phase,” features interactive design, motion graphics, web design, and illustration. There will be a reception with the artists on Thursday, May 29, 5-7 p.m. at the gallery. The gallery is located at 3 West Cremona Street near campus. Admission is free. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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The SPU Women’s and Men’s Choirs will perform on Thursday, May 29, 7:30 p.m. at First Free Methodist Church. The Women’s Choir will sing a variety of songs including a Kenyan folk song and “Defying Gravity” by Stephen Schwartz. The Women’s Choir is directed by Instructor of Voice Beth Anne Bonnecroy, and the Director of Men’s Choir is Ken Pendergrass.

Fall and winter reservation requests are now being taken for the Faculty/Staff House at Camp Casey on Whidbey Island.  The dates of stay are September 29, 2014, through January 5, 2015. Reservation requests are due by June 5. The fall/winter requests are selected by lottery and are not affected by summer stays at Casey. If you have questions, contact Camp Casey at 866-661-6604 or campcasey@spu.edu. Visit the Camp Casey website to request a reservation.

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Image journal, founded by SPU Writer in Residence Gregory Wolfe and located on campus, has been publishing the best art and writing that engages with faith and mystery for 25 years. The journal is looking for interns for the 2014-15 school year who share their vision for the place art has in the life of faith, and who are also diligent, meticulous, and responsible about the daily details. Just like the editors, the interns have a balance of grunt work (daily processing) and glory work (more interesting ongoing projects). Grunt work includes tasks like sorting the mail, responding to emails, and sending out book orders. The glory work for next year's interns includes things like choosing images for the daily “Good Letters” blog; reading back-issue content in order to tag it for the redesigned website; creating original graphics for social media; and content writing for the online newsletter ImageUpdate, social media, or the website. If you know students who might be interested, have them email Image journal Program Director Tyler McCabe at mccabe@spu.edu for a full job description.

This summer, the John Perkins Center’s SPRINT program will send eight student teams to learn and serve alongside local leaders around the globe. Hire a SPRINT student or a team to help around your house with spring cleaning, yard work, or other chores. Cost is $10 per student per hour. For more information, contact student Daniel Lee at leed13@spu.edu or visit the website.

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Learn how to “run the numbers” for yourself and your family to help you compare the medical plans to make the best choice during Open Enrollment. Get some basic understanding of the differences between the two plans. Ask questions about what you can expect. RSVPs not needed.

5/22 12-1 p.m. Otto Miller Hall 109
5/22 2-3 p.m. Otto Miller Hall 109

Human Resources is providing information sessions to learn about the new online Open Enrollment system this year. You can use detailed instructions found on the Human Resource website under the Employee Benefits section. Get hands-on instruction at an information session in OMH 139. (No food or drink allowed is allowed in the computer lab.) Bring your Open Enrollment packet, which was delivered to your campus address. RSVPs are not needed. Feel free to bring your spouse.

5/20 12-1 p.m.
5/21       5-6 p.m.
5/22              4:45-5:45 p.m. (Otto Miller Hall 109)

Common Grounds and Academic Perks: Come join us for Happy Hour, 2-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and get 20 percent off any grande espresso drink.

Falcon’s Grill: Due to popular demand, we are keeping the Katsu Bacon Burger around for another week. A delicious quarter-pound burger, breaded and deep fried to perfection and topped with bacon and tonkatsu sriracha sauce. Stop on by and try it for only $5.99.

Subway: $5 for a footlong BMT, and $3 for a six-inch Chicken Breast sandwich.

Sandella’s: Try the new rice bowls for only $6.99.

C-Store: Every time you spend $5 or more at the C-Store, your name is entered in the weekly raffle! A winner is chosen every Friday and will receive a $5 gift certificate to the C-Store.

Einstein’s Bagels: Bagel with cream cheese and a small coffee is only $3.99. You can also get two Bagel Dogs for $5 for a limited time only!

The Athletics Department announces the closure of the weight room in Royal Brougham until mid July for remodeling. The cardio room, main gym, upper gym and Wallace Field will remain open.

The Faculty/Staff Bulletin is published every Monday during the academic year. Deadlines for submissions are Thursdays. If you have information or event news, send it as soon as possible to Bulletin editor Tracy Norlen at fsb-editor@spu.edu. Submissions may be edited for clarity. Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the next Bulletin will be published Tuesday, May 27. The next deadline is Thursday, May 22.

The Kindling Muse, “an intelligent, imaginative, and hospitable exploration of ideas that matter in contemporary life,” now offers a free download of their recent live podcast event about Darren Aronofsky’s film Noah. Discussing the film are Jeff Keuss, professor of Christian ministry, theology, and culture; Christine Chaney, professor of English; J. L. Spohr, an ordained minister and author; and Jeffrey Overstreet, SPU communications specialist.

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School of Business and Economics professors Vicki Eveland and Gary Karns presented “Marketing on the Island: An Attempt at Social and Academic Integration in a Principles of Marketing Class” at the recent 2014 Marketing Educators’ Association Conference in San Jose, California. Learn more about the conference.

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The Office of Human Resources would like the SPU community to join us in welcoming Morgan Callahan, administrative assistant to the deans in the College of Arts and Sciences.