In the Loop June 2018

Special Olympics Seattle

SPU hosts 2018 Special Olympics gymnastics

When the Special Olympics USA Games come to Seattle this summer, Seattle Pacific will be one of the places rolling out a big welcome mat.

SPU will be the host for the gymnastics competition. That portion of the weeklong games will take place in Brougham Pavilion on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 3–5.

“We are beyond thrilled to be hosting a portion of the Special Olympics USA Games this summer,” school Athletic Director Jackson Stava said. “There are few organizations whose missions are as widely celebrated as Special Olympics, which has made for a fantastic partnership.

“I’m certain that the character and hospitality of our student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff will be on full display as we welcome these world-class athletes and coaches to Royal Brougham Pavilion.”

Approximately 3,000 athletes competing in 14 sports are expected to visit the Puget Sound area.

Each of the three days at Seattle Pacific will feature two sessions. All sessions are free to the public.

Over the years, Brougham Pavilion has been the site of numerous major gymnastics events, including the NCAAs and USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships.

This article excerpt is reprinted with the permission of the SPU Athletic Department.

Meet the Class of 2018

Graduates of the Class of 2018 are officially SPU alumni. Meet some of our outstanding young alumni, discover how they’ve already been making a difference in the world, and see where they’re going next. Meet the Class of 2018.

Graduates of the Class of 2018

Student stories: maximizing financial aid

Garrhett Petrea

Garrhett Petrea

These students weren’t sure how they’d pay for college. See how they did it with the help of Student Financial Services — and see how you and your student may be able to learn from their success stories. “SFS are the good guys!” says Garrhett Petrea. “If they were Marvel superheros, they would be Captain America — leading the charge.”

Check out the Grants and Scholarships page to find out some of the financial aid available to first-year students, transfer students, and returning students. Whether its an outside scholarship offered by an organization, a regionally offered scholarship, or church-match scholarship, these financial aid programs are available to help.

Faculty goodbyes

This year, five SPU faculty members retired, closing out a combined 143 years of teaching. Here’s a brief look at how they served students over the decades:

David Anderson

If you’ve enjoyed the Sacred Sounds of Christmas, thank Assistant Professor of Choral Music David Anderson. At SPU for 26 years, Anderson was (excuse the pun) instrumental in creating a concert that showcased SPU student and faculty musicians, and is now an SPU and community tradition.

Kathryn Bartholomew

Associate Professor of Foreign Languages and Linguistics Kathryn Bartholomew revived the undergraduate Spanish program at SPU, as well as the linguistics major, during her 29 years in the classroom. She also co-led five European Quarter study abroad trips, and will even co-lead another in Spring 2019.

Faculty Headshot

Known as a Renaissance man, Associate Professor of Economics Douglas Downing helped the School of Business, Government, and Economics earn AACSB accreditation. An SPU faculty member for 35 years, Downing has authored 15 books, including a trilogy of math textbooks written as fantasy adventure novels.

Don Holsinger

Retiring after 28 years, Professor of History Donald Holsinger has not only helped students understand the histories of Middle Eastern and North African regions, but he’s also served as a consultant and analyst for Northwest radio and TV outlets over the years.

For the past 25 years, Executive in Residence James Rand has taught courses such as operations management, compensation management, and human relations. Rand holds not only a doctorate in labor law and economics, but he also holds a law degree. An Army veteran, he co-chaired the Military Veterans Cadre for student veterans.

Flexible graduate education programs

Do you want to earn a graduate degree or certification from a school of education with an outstanding academic reputation, flexible programs designed for working professionals, and a vision for bringing hope to all children? SPU’s School of Education offers more than a dozen graduate programs and is accredited at both the state and national levels.

Whether you’re interested in a master’s degree, certification, or doctoral program, SPU has a program for you. Explore your options and discover how SPU has integrated the idea of vocation and Christian service in an ever-changing world.

Graduate student

Upcoming events

Summer Sessions begin
June 11

Sessions are four to eight weeks long. During them, undergraduate students can complete required courses in their major or take courses to compliment their programs. Learn more.


Summer Visit Days
June 29, July 13, July 27, August 17, and August 31
9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

High school students, transfer students, and other prospective students can tour campus, learn about the admissions process and financial aid, and meet current students, staff, and faculty. A light lunch is included. Register for a Summer Visit Day.


Special Olympics at SPU (Gymnastics)
July 3–5
Royal Brougham Pavilion

Each of the three days of gymnastics events will feature two sessions. All sessions are open and free to the public. For the general schedules for each day, visit the SPU Athletic Department.


Independence Day
Wednesday, July 4

Campus closed.


Labor Day
Monday, September 3

Campus closed.


Academic Highlights
Visit the 2018–19 University Academic Calendar for a complete listing of important academic dates.


Editor’s note: The next parents’ In the Loop newsletter will be August 2018.