In the Loop

May 2019

SPU Voices: Saying goodbye to retiring SPU faculty

Twenty Seattle Pacific faculty members will retire this spring, representing a cumulative total of 593 years of service to the University. Read the story in Response magazine.

Live The Questions book cover

School of Theology celebrates faculty authors

The heart of the SPU community is our faculty — not only because of their talent and commitment to students, but also because of their scholarship.

On Tuesday, May 21, the SPU community experienced that at a celebration of faculty authors from the School of Theology and Seattle Pacific Seminary. But the authors didn’t read from their works.

Instead, local pastors such as Laurie Brenner, senior pastor of West Side Presbyterian Church; Elizabeth Ingram-Schindler, pastor of Faith United Methodist Church; and Richard Dahlstrom, senior pastor, Bethany Community Church, reviewed the books.

“I consider Richard Dahlstrom to truly be one of our regions great preachers and pastors,” said Jeffrey Keuss, professor of Christian ministry. “It is such an honor to have him review my book. I hope Live The Questions: How Searching Shapes Our Convictions and Commitments will be seen as a book for the church to grow deeper in faith.”

Other faculty authors highlighted at the event included Miriam Adeney, associate professor of world Christian studies, and her latest book Refugee Diaspora: Missions Amid the Greatest Humanitarian Crisis of the World; Robert Wall, Paul T. Walls professor of scripture and Wesleyan studies, and Daniel Castelo, professor of dogmatic and constructive theology, who co-wrote The Marks of Scripture: Rethinking the Nature of the Bible; and more.

Andrew Bell

SPU Voices: From classroom to campaign: Andrew Bell '16

In November 2016, Republican candidate Kim Wyman was re-elected as Washington Secretary of State after a hotly contested race. Her campaign manager? Andrew Bell ’16, a 21-year-old SPU senior. It was an extremely unusual move, according to Professor of Political Science Reed Davis, one of Bell’s professors. “College students don’t get hired as state-level campaign managers,” he said. Find out how it happened.

Summer jobs only a ‘Handshake’ away

Handshake logo

Is your student looking for summer employment? Encourage him or her to apply for on- and off-campus summer jobs through the online job board, Handshake.

Students hired for a summer position will need to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. So if you or your student have questions, contact Alyse Bradway, student employment coordinator, at bradwaya@spu.edu or 206-281-2061.

The SPU advantage

Did you know nearly 35% of Seattle Pacific students graduate debt-free, and students with loans in their financial aid package borrow less than the national average? A Seattle Pacific education is an investment in your students — and in the future. Learn how families of all income levels pay for college.

It’s time for the Falcons Forever BBQ

Family at the Forever Falcons BBQ

Graduating students and their families are invited to the 2019 Falcons Forever BBQ, Friday, June 7, 2019, at 5:30 p.m., preceding Baccalaureate.

A tasty highlight before Saturday’s Commencement Ceremony, this BBQ fun gives the newest SPU alums a chance to fill up on summer-inspired food while they relax and celebrate their accomplishments. You won’t want to miss the great food and music in SPU’s iconic Tiffany Loop!

Register your Class of 2019 family for the Falcons Forever BBQ before June 1 to be entered into a drawing for VIP seating for your family at Undergraduate Commencement in the Alaska Airlines Arena. Tickets are $10 per person; kids under age 10 eat free. Get more information and register now.

You’re invited to the Camp Casey open house

The public is invited for a behind-the-scenes look at Seattle Pacific’s Camp Casey Conference Center in Coupeville on Whidbey Island, a historic military fort built at the turn of the 20th century.

The Friday, June 14, event begins at 12 p.m. and includes guided tours by Professor Emeritus of History Bill Woodward and a chance to visit the Sea Lab, a marine biology teaching facility.

See why so many SPU students, alums, churches, and schools have flocked to this popular conference center for retreats, athletic camps, and more.

Camp Casey

Upcoming events

Backstage Theatre: Violet

Directed and designed by SPU theatre and music students, Violet has music ranging from roots to folk to gospel. With score from Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by the acclaimed Brian Crawley, Violet is inspired by Doris Betts’ short story, “The Ugliest Pilgrim.” Purchase tickets online, by phone at 206-281-2959, or at the door.

May 21–24 | 7:30 p.m.
May 25 | 1 p.m.
$10 general admission
McKinley “Backstage” Theatre


Symphony Orchestra Concert

The Symphony Orchestra concert presents a wide variety of musical styles from composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, and modern-day composers in its final performance of the school year. This concert will be livestreamed.

Thursday, May 23 | 7:30 p.m.
Free and wheelchair accessible
First Free Methodist Church
3200 Third Avenue W.


Memorial Day

Monday, May 27

No daytime classes; offices closed. Evening classes meet.


Seattle Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Drum Corps

Monday, May 27 | 1:30 p.m.
Evergreen Washelli Veterans Memorial Cemetery
11111 N. Aurora Ave., Seattle

The SPU Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Drum Corps will perform at the annual Memorial Day service at the Evergreen Washelli Veterans Memorial Cemetery.


Percussion Concert

The Percussion Ensemble spring concert, under the direction of Dan Adams, features multiple percussion pieces to ethnic drum ensembles. This concert will be livestreamed.

Tuesday, May 28 | 7:30 p.m.
Free and wheelchair accessible
E.E. Bach Theatre
McKinley Hall


Last day of classes

Friday, May 31

Student reading and faculty in-service day, Monday, June 3.


Final exams

June 4–6


Residence halls close for summer

Friday, June 7 | 4 p.m.

Returning students must vacate housing by Friday. Graduating seniors must vacate housing by Sunday, June 9, 1 p.m.


Ivy Cutting

Friday, June 7
9:30-10:30 a.m. | Tiffany Loop

Ivy Cutting has been part of graduation rites at SPU since 1922. Graduating students and SPU faculty don their academic regalia and assemble in Tiffany Loop. More information.


Falcons Forever BBQ

Friday, June 7 | 5:30 p.m.
$10/person (kids under 10 eat free)
Tiffany Loop

A fun event for graduating seniors, their families, and Class of 2018 graduates. Precedes Baccalaureate. More information.


Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, June 8 | 7-9:30 p.m.
Alaska Airlines Arena
3870 Montlake Blvd NE, Seattle

Tickets are required for entrance into Alaska Airlines Arena. Visit the Commencement website for complete information, including schedules, directions, and more.


Summer Sessions

Monday, June 10 (Session one begins)
Monday, July 8 (Session two begins)

Summer Sessions are four to eight weeks long, allowing students to earn credits during the summer. More information.


Engage events

Renowned national and international speakers, some of Seattle’s most engaging theatre performances, memorable concerts, outstanding athletic competition. Explore upcoming events and get involved.