In the Loop

August 2018

Video: A message to parents

SPU President Dan Martin has a message for the parents of incoming and returning students, as he reflects on SPU’s 122nd Commencement and Ivy Cutting ceremony.


 

University introduces fresh brand identity

New SPU logo

Backed by community research, including discussions with parents, and motivated by an increasingly competitive higher education market, SPU is rolling out a new brand identity this fall — a different logo, foundational emphases, an ad campaign, and more. This direction marries the University’s strong faith tradition with a fresh look at our geographical and academic advantages.

A good brand is more than just a logo or imagery. It reflects who we are, what we aspire to, and how we’re different from other universities. Our new brand identity lies at the intersection of what makes SPU unique:

  1. Academic rigor
    SPU is uncompromising in its commitment to academic challenge and rigor — as exemplified by the “Best National University” ranking by U.S. News & World Report and our top-notch faculty.
  2. The Seattle advantage
    Seattle is our campus. SPU exposes students to challenges and opportunities, helping them anticipate and shape the future.
  3. Christian faith
    At SPU, we invite students to explore or go deeper in Christian faith. We want students to understand the world through the lens of Christian faith.

In upcoming issues of In the Loop, we’ll share more visual expressions of the new brand and how it’s impacting our student recruitment efforts.

SPU Voices: A faith nurtured in the classrooms

SPU Voices

SPU alumni, students, faculty, and staff enact change in the world from a foundation of thoughtful Christian faith nurtured in classrooms, residence halls, and other gathering places.

Here are a few of the ways individuals live faithfully, inspired by their campus experience to address the challenges of the world.

Falcon Formation

By Chuck Strawn

Your student’s experience while at Seattle Pacific University is one of your top priorities. You want him or her to grow intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally. And you want your student to take care — get a good night’s sleep before a test, eat healthy meals, make friends, and have fun. To make these things happen, you want your student to be offered, and find, the support needed to thrive as an SPU student.

Falcon Formation can help your student achieve those goals.

At SPU, learning doesn’t stop when your student walks out of the classroom, leaves the lab, or exits the library. Falcons grow and develop in community; and Falcon Formation guides the offices of Student Life, Athletics, and Campus Ministries as they partner with students.

SPU students hanging out together

As research continues to show, student involvement and engagement results in students reporting both satisfaction and thriving in and outside the classroom.

Looking for ways to get involved can start at Involv-o-rama, held Sunday, September 23, the day before Autumn Quarter begins. At that event, your student will have a chance to discover campus clubs and organizations, meet student leaders involved in them, and learn how he or she can join them. Before long, your student, too, will discover opportunities to lead, to serve, to re-create and be creative, and to learn through every experience while here.

Learn more about Falcon Formation.

Chuck Strawn

Chuck Strawn is the dean of students for community life at Seattle Pacific University.

Spring Quarter 2018 Dean’s List

Demaray Hall

The Dean’s List is available for Spring Quarter 2018. These quarterly honors are awarded to undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students who complete at least 12 credit hours at Seattle Pacific University and attain a 3.5 or higher quarterly grade-point average. See the Spring Quarter Dean’s List here.

Video: Student employment at SPU

Did you know students graduating with job-ready skills and competitive résumés are more likely to find employment? Alyse Bradway, student employment coordinator at SPU, explains why.


 

Study Abroad 2018 Photo Contest

This year, 21 students entered 115 photos in the 2018 Study Abroad Photo Contest. More than a dozen photos from across the globe detailed where students had studied overseas during the 2017–18 academic year.

Winning photos earned the students Amazon and Storyville gift cards. See the photos, including the “President’s Choice,” chosen by President Dan Martin.

Student with a camel

Dual degrees: MBA/MA or MBA/MDiv

Graduate students

If you’re a business professional or nonprofit employee who’d like to bring together business and theology, consider a unique dual degree from SPU’s School of Business, Government, and Economics and Seattle Pacific Seminary.

The MBA/Master’s in Christian Theology or MBA/Master’s of Divinity allows you to bring together skills and knowledge in business and theology, enriching your graduate education and your career opportunities. You’ll also earn two advanced degrees in less time than it takes to earn the same two degrees separately. Find out more.

Helping students avoid employment scams

Laptop

Computer and Information Systems is advising SPU students, both incoming and returning, to beware of fake job postings in unsolicited emails sent to their student email accounts and in online job-listing sites.

Fake jobs can be attempts to steal personal information about students or steal money or bank account information from them. Read CIS basic guidelines to avoid scams.

Upcoming events

Final day for summer classes
Friday, August 17


Labor Day
Monday, September 3

Campus offices closed.


Orientation 2018
Wednesday–Sunday, September 19–23

Incoming students and families participate in Orientation to introduce them to campus contacts. Some events are for new students, some are for transfer students, others are part of a program for parents and guests, and others for everyone.


Alumni Legacy Reception
Wednesday, September 19
5:30 p.m. | Ross Parking Lot

Alumni whose children are incoming SPU students this fall are invited to connect with fellow legacy families and meet the Alumni and Family Relations staff. Enjoy dinner with old and new friends, relive your glory days on campus, and share favorite stories. Register now.


Autumn Quarter 2018
Monday, September 24

Class instruction begins.


Job Fair
Thursday, September 27
1–4 p.m. | Upper Gwinn Commons

Students can bring their résumés and connect with on- and off-campus employers at the first job fair of the year hosted by the Center for Career and Calling.