In the Loop

January 2019

SPU professor Frank Spina speaks at the Alexander Hall Donor Event

SPU Voices: Old Testament professor, Frank Spina, to retire

After more than 45 years in the classroom, Professor of Old Testament Frank Spina will retire at the close of the 2018–19 academic year — sooner than he had planned. Read the story.

Attendees sit in a darkened room and watch video from the Faith & Co course

Connecting faith and work

Faith & Co. is 13-part documentary series by Seattle Pacific University that highlights the struggles, triumphs, and stories of businesspeople wrestling with what it means to live out business as their calling.

Through these inspiring examples, filmed across three continents and 18 U.S. cities and featuring a wide range of industries — high tech, health care, retail, and property development — Faith & Co. seeks to provoke questions and provide insights about what it means to act as faithful followers of Christ in business. And now you can participate in a free, educational, and formational experience that will deepen connections between your faith and work.

Beginning January 22, this course features Christian business owners living out their calling. Stretching over eight weeks, you’ll explore the themes, concepts, and questions raised by the Faith & Co. films through exercises, readings, and interviews with business and thought leaders such as Bill Pollard, Jeff Van Duzer, Denise Daniels, and Steve Garber.

Register now for the free course or take the for-credit course, which can even be applied toward an SPU graduate business degree.


Busy hands type on a laptop, with forms and pencils scattered on a desk

Coming to your mailbox soon: 2018 IRS Form 1098-T

The 1098-T is a tax-related document that shows all account charges and financial aid payments that occurred in tax year 2018 for your student.

Forms are mailed by January 31 to each student’s permanent address. The form can also be accessed by your student electronically through the Banner Information System. Questions? Find more information regarding the 1098-T and other education tax benefits on the Student Financial Services website. You can also contact SFS if you have questions about your student’s 1098-T form once it’s received.


SPU students gather around a desk, studying hard for finals

Autumn Quarter 2018 Dean’s List

Quarterly honors are awarded to undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students in good standing who have completed at least 12 credit hours of work at Seattle Pacific University and attained a 3.5 or higher quarterly grade-point average in a given quarter. The Dean's List for Autumn Quarter 2018 is now available.

An illustration of hands taking a hold of a model of a molecule. The hands each have different skin tones

SPU Voices: BioCORE program encourages underrepresented biology students

When senior biochemistry major Leslie Rodriguez-Salas applied for the Seattle Pacific Biology Department’s BioCORE Scholars program in 2015, she was looking for a community that would encourage her academically and understand her college experience as a Latina. Read the story.

An SPU student presents in a master's program course

Business Intelligence and Data Analytics

Gain the skills and knowledge you need to excel as a professional in the business intelligence and data analytics field. Designed for working professionals, the master of arts in management with an emphasis in data analytics will prepare you to become more effective in current responsibilities or to open opportunities for new responsibilities. Find out more.

Upcoming events

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Monday, January 21

No daytime classes. Evening classes meet.


Winter Mainstage: Before the Eclipse

January 31, February 1–2, February 7–9
7:30 p.m. | McKinley Hall
February 2, matinee at 1 p.m.

The SPU Theatre Department presents this Anton Chekhov production featuring characters from some of his funniest short plays. Translated by Laurence Senelick, this production showcases Chekhov’s silliness and his soft side for humanity.


Homecoming and Family Weekend

February 1–3
Family pass, $45; Individual pass, $20

Enjoy a weekend at Seattle Pacific on Homecoming and Family Weekend. Parents and families, come experience campus life with your student, and enjoy sports, theatre, and student talent. All-Access Passes get holders into favorite traditions for one fee.


Peace, Justice, and Human Services Mega Meet-up

Wednesday, February 6
2:30–5 p.m. | Weter Hall Lounge

A casual gathering of employers for students that is part career fair, part networking event. Students will meet professionals (many are SPU alumns) in these fields, learn about the work they do, and possibly find a job or internship.


Commencement Weekend

Friday–Saturday, June 7–8

For a complete schedule of Commencement events, visit the Commencement website.


Game Creation Studio for Beginners

July 15–19
Seattle Pacific University campus

Offered by SPU’s Engineering and Computer Science department, this one-week summer camp introduces ninth to 11th graders (as of autumn 2019) to the world of game development. No coding experience is necessary. Participants will learn basic techniques using an intuitive game development tool, explore computer science as a career, and hear from professionals in the entertainment software development industry. Each camper will create a game of their own, complete with a storyline and graphic editing, with help from their camp guides. At the conclusion, campers will have the chance to present their creations.

For more information, contact Professor of Electrical Engineering Melanie Plett at mplett@spu.edu.