2015 Seattle University President's Report

THE PATH LESS TAKEN

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY PR ESI DE N T’S R E PORT | 2 015

FROM THE PRESIDENT

THE PATH WE DARE TO TAKE TO CHANGE WORLDS

A MESSAGE FROM

PRESIDENT STEPHEN SUNDBORG, S.J.

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2015

One of the unofficial duties in a university president’s job description is to tout the accomplishments of the institution. The past year has offered many such opportunities for this president.

This year, for the first time ever, Seattle University was ranked among the top five universities of our kind in the West. The White House named us an Honor Roll finalist for the 2014 Interfaith Community Service Award. We became the first Fair Trade University in the Northwest. Our women’s soccer team reached the second round of the NCAA Division I Tournament for the first time and women’s cross country claimed its first Division I conference title.

These and other accomplishments are satisfying validations for all of us connected to SU. And yet what matters most is why we do what we do, how we do it and especially for whom.

My personal highlight of the year—and likely of my life—was the opportunity to join a Seattle family in meeting Pope Francis. It was an extraordinary experience to be ushered into the inner sanctum of the Catholic Church and to find a pope who is at once a transformative leader and yet also gentle, full of mercy and very much wanting to draw near to those who are marginalized.

Our Jesuit pope exemplifies what we strive to be as a Jesuit institution. I believe we are living up to this ideal.

Here at Seattle U, our students are challenged to know more and do more—and to define success not by their earnings but by the lives they touch and change.

The students, alumni, faculty and staff of our university are at the forefront of efforts to address crises such as climate change, interreligious divisions, homelessness and other matters of social justice. Our alumni are leading in their professions, making their communities stronger and actively contributing to the civic dialogue.

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

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Our engagement with the community has never been stronger. With the Seattle University Youth Initiative, we are working hand-in-hand with our partners to create a pipeline of support for the children of our neighborhood and ensure their success in school and in life.

Here at Seattle U, our students are challenged to know more and do more— and to define success not by their earnings but by the lives they touch and change.

We are a dynamic university intent upon going where the need is greatest, moving more purposefully to form professionals and leaders in fields that are critical to the well-being and health of our society—science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health sciences, to name a few.

We are expanding access for students in need and new educational opportunities for adults and other non-traditional learners.

We are an academic community that insists on uncompromised rigor, excellence in all things and relentless commitment. And all the while, defining and living out what it means to be a Jesuit university in this place and at this time. This is the path we dare to take. Thank you for being a part of the journey.

Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J. President

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RANKINGS

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MAKING REAL JUMPS Seattle University is Seattle’s university—creating a better way forward and empowering leaders for a just, sustainable and humane world.

Academic Excellence • Seattle University is one of the top 5 universities in the West, according to U.S. News & World Report: Best Colleges 2015. The university ranks #5 for its full range of undergraduate, master’s and select doctoral degree programs.

• Seattle U also received high marks from U.S. News

for being a best value school, ranking #7 in the West.

• The university is among the best in Princeton Review’s Best 379 Colleges: 2015 Edition and the 2015 Fiske Guide to Colleges. Both profile only the top schools nationally in their go-to guides for prospective students and parents.

• Colleges of Distinction and Catholic Colleges of Distinction highlight Seattle U for its teaching excellence and successful career outcomes.

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HEAD of the CLASS

no.

7

no.

In the West Best Value School

no.

14

no.

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1

Legal Writing School of Law’s program is tops in the U.S.

University in the West

no.

15

Accounting

Finance

Graduate program top of its kind in the Northwest

Undergraduate program among the best in the West [Source: U.S. News & World Report: Best Colleges 2015]

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2015

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

IS REALLY ABOUT STAYING GROUNDED. • For three years’ running, Seattle U ranks among the top 10 in the nation

to produce Peace Corps volunteers.

• Washington Monthly included Seattle U in its top 10 based on the number of alumni who go on to serve in the Peace Corps, relative to school size.

PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS

no.

6

in the nation to produce Peace Corps volunteers

15

alumni in the Peace Corps in 2014

357

total number of volunteers since the Peace Corps began in 1961

FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS

a TOP

PRODUCER

of Fulbright Scholars The Chronicle of Higher Education

30+

students and alumni are Fulbrights

Producing Fulbright Scholars • Seattle U has been highlighted in The Chronicle of Higher Education six times in the past decade as a top producer of Fulbrights, with our students and alumni serving throughout the world.

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SUCCESS STORY

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IT ONLY TAKES A FEW SPARKS TO BLAZE A TRAIL PALMYRA JACKSON STUDENT | MATTEO RICCI COLLEGE Seattle University sophomore Palmyra Jackson concedes she’s learning fast these days.

“I’m learning to question things. I’m learning more about parts of myself that I hadn’t looked into before, such as my identity and discernment—how I make decisions,” says Jackson, an Anthropology and Humanities for Teaching double major at Matteo Ricci College. “The more aware you are of where you are, the more informed you are about decision making. Being aware of where you are can help you sustain your future.”

Her insights sometimes catch people by surprise.

“Seattle University has given me freedom,” she says, “The freedom to learn...the freedom to grow...the freedom to explore different opportunities that I would not have been exposed to.”

Jackson was raised in Federal Way, Wash., until her family way. Sparked by her own experience as well as relocated to Las Vegas when she was in the sixth grade. conversations with fellow future educators and other classmates, she’s working with Matteo Ricci It was her parents who emphasized the importance of faculty on a proposal to add cultural competency education and told her, “Never limit yourself.” With to the college curriculum. that in mind, she competed for one of nine Sullivan “Cultural competency is not just about placing Leadership Awards that are offered to incoming students of different ethnicities, genders and students who exemplify SU’s holistic definition of abilities together,” she says. “Cultural competency academic excellence and leadership. is having those students work together to recognize Sullivan Leaders are known for being doers as well as their different world views, then create a cohesive thinkers yet Jackson is cognizant of the need to choose and inclusive learning environment.” wisely when it comes to her campus activities.“You Ideally, she’d like to start her career in anthropology can be involved in so many things that you’re either with field work or human rights foundations. involved in nothing,” says this student government She’s particularly drawn to the International Center representative. for Transitional Justice, which assists post-conflict Cultural competence—interacting effectively in countries in rebuilding infrastructure. Eventually cross-cultural situations—motivates Jackson in a big she sees herself becoming a fourth grade teacher.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2015

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

MANIVONG RATTS COLLEGE OF EDUCATION The way Manivong Ratts, PhD, sees it, every school in the nation should have its own Pride Center to support LGBTQ students and stem bullying.

Ratts, an associate professor of counseling, continues to gain recognition for pushing the boundaries of the practice of counseling and psychology.

Combining advocacy with a more conventional approach is important when working with marginalized client populations, says Ratts.

His most recent book, Counseling for Multiculturalism and Social Justice (2014), co-authored with Paul Pedersen of Syracuse University, provides counseling professionals with a framework for carrying out social justice initiatives.

“My current research focuses on ways counselors can address LGBTQ bullying issues with visible spaces in schools by establishing a Pride Center that provides counseling, advocacy and research,” says Ratts.

A Pride Center calls for a counseling

office and a safe and visible space in the center of the school.

High schools frequently offer student clubs for LGBTQ students and training for staff, but “it doesn’t change the culture of homophobia in schools,” he says.

What’s needed? To start, he recommends a multilayered approach that offers counseling for LGBTQ students, advocacy to address the barriers students, school staff and parents/ guardians experience as LGBTQ allies and research in addressing the impact of these interventions. His prototype, developed in 2014, launched with SU approval at a Seattle-area high school in January 2015.

“We’re testing the theories to influence what we do and we’re integrating social justice from different angles,” says Ratts.

“If we are to change the culture of LGBTQ bullying prevalent in schools today, we need to think differently about how to tackle this national problem.”

HIGH ACHIEVERS The Annual Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast set a new record, raising more than $3.69 million for scholarships benefiting underrepresented students at Seattle U and the University of Washington. Costco Co-founders Jim Sinegal and Jeff Brotman, President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., current Costco scholars and alumni were among the 1,200 people who attended the event.

87.4% STUDENTS WHO RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID (Average aid award per recipient: $25,627, annually)

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SUCCESS STORY

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RHODES TO SUCCESS RYAN SAWYER ALUMNUS | ARTS & SCIENCES Ryan Sawyer, ’94, grew up in Boise, Idaho, and knew a big-city school with the added benefit of soccer would be in his future.

He piqued the interest of Seattle University Men’s Soccer Coach Pete Fewing with a four-minute video of some of his best plays. Thanks to that enterprising video Fewing still recalls more than two decades later, Sawyer found his way to SU where he became not only a soccer star and team captain, but also a diligent student, summa cum laude graduate and a celebrated Rhodes Scholar. (He is one of two Rhodes from SU; the first being the late Emile Wilson.)

The path from soccer field to Oxford University as a Rhodes began at Seattle U in the Honors program.

Sawyer, a double major in philosophy and English, headed east to Fordham University post-graduation and in 1995 was selected as a Rhodes Scholar to attend the university near London.

While he was an ace on the field and excelled academically, Sawyer’s great passion was for poetry. At SU, he the lead of his dad, an accountant by training, who went to work with Merrill Lynch when he approached a literary understanding of poetry first was in his 50s. through his philosophy studies, then English. Oxford beckoned him to pursue this passion.

Not quite three years ago, he opened Viewpoint After returning to the Northwest, he went to work Capital Management in Seattle’s Madrona for a then little-known technology entrepreneur neighborhood.

Jeff Bezos, who was hiring for what would become Sawyer describes his investment philosophy in Amazon. Bezos hired Sawyer as director of Strategic Growth. After leaving Amazon, Sawyer chose to follow terms such as “thoughtful contrarianism.”

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2015

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

COLETTE HOPTION ALBERS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS The power of humor in the workplace is a topic that continues to animate the research of Colette Hoption, PhD. This assistant professor of management examines how leaders use humor—especially making fun of themselves—to be more likable and trustworthy.

Hoption says her work with humor was inspired by former President George W. Bush whose “Bushisms”— unintended words and phrases— became part of popular folklore.

“Then one day at a press conference President Bush said, ‘Thank you all for coming despite knowing all about me,’” Hoption says.

It was a shift in his demeanor and just the incentive she and colleagues at Canadian university business schools needed. “That’s what got us thinking about the way leaders use self-deprecating humor to disarm their followers.”

They created four different written scenarios where a company leader introduces a new employee named Pat: “I’m so glad that Pat took this job despite knowing all about me!” (selfdeprecating) “I’m so glad that Pat took this job despite knowing all about you!” (aggressive) “I’m so glad that Pat took this job despite knowing all about us!” (groupdeprecating) “I’m so glad that Pat took this job!” (non-humorous) They discovered that bosses who make fun of themselves are the most highly regarded and they argued that this is because of a humanizing effect that builds trustworthiness.

She’s now pondering similar projects, including how female leaders who use self-deprecating humor may be treated differently than male counterparts.

MEETING OF A LIFETIME, MESSAGE FOR HUMANITY

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It began with what seemed like a simple enough question. Last Christmas, a member of SU’s Board of Trustees asked his mother if there was anything the family could do for her. Her response was not expected.

“I would like to meet the pope,” she answered.

The son set out to fulfill his mother’s wish and turned to President Sundborg to see if he might use his Ignatian mojo to help arrange a meeting with the most famous Jesuit in the world.

Fr. Sundborg wrote to the head of the Jesuits, Superior General Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., and a few months later, there was an answer. The pope, Fr. Nicolás reported, not only responded but responded with an “unambiguous yes!”

And so it was that a group of about a dozen visitors, accompanied by President Sundborg and SU Rector Tom Lucas, found themselves at the Vatican to meet Pope Francis.

The president asked if the pope had a message for Seattle University’s students and he offered several thoughts and words he wanted carried forth including mercy and incarnation and the concept of the church as a “field hospital”—that we must as a society reach out to help heal the wounded among us.

The visit, Fr. Sundborg says “feels like the highlight of my life.”

Read more about the experience at www.seattleu.edu/magazine/.

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COMMUNITY CONNECTION

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ACHIEVING GOALS IS A CONTACT SPORT

A MISSION TO SERVE OTHERS Seattle University’s Center for Service and Community Engagement (CSCE), the central hub for coordinating service projects and service-learning opportunities, engaging with community partners and neighborhood programs and more, opened in 2004.

In the past decade, the CSCE has achieved many milestones. Here are some highlights:

•

4 out of 5 Undergraduate students serve the community.

That’s nearly 3x the national average.

THREE Consecutive years of top community service honors from the White House.

Dozens of students have participated in year-long and summer-long fellowships serving, learning

and leading throughout Seattle.

•

A little more than four years ago the center led the planning efforts for the nationally recognized

Seattle University Youth Initiative, which provides educational outreach and mentoring for P-12 in the neighborhood’s public schools.

•

In 2011–12, the Youth Initiative developed a comprehensive after-school program at Bailey Gatzert

Elementary School. The following year, the school had the highest increase in test scores among all public schools in Seattle.

•

In 2013, for the first time, Seattle U appeared on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of

the top 25 universities for service learning.

•

The launch of the Redhawk Academic Mentoring Program offers dozens of sixth graders

with one-on-one mentoring by undergraduates.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2015

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

LEADING THE WAY WITH FAIR TRADE Seattle University has become the first Fair Trade University in the Pacific Northwest and one of only 26 schools in the country to earn that designation

by Fair Trade Colleges and Universities USA. The campaign for Fair Trade status culminated in the university’s adoption of a Fair Trade resolution in the fall.

The Fair Trade movement supports and advances economic systems that help international farmers, artisans and other workers to lift themselves out of poverty while protecting the environment. “This is so in line with our mission,” says Sue Jackels, professor of chemistry, who has been principally involved with the effort.

At Seattle U, Jackels and Quan Le, associate professor of economics, worked with students in the Global Business Club to move the Fair Trade initiative forward. The resolution was supported by President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., and passed by the Student Government of Seattle University (SGSU).

By signing the agreement, Seattle University pledges to make Fair Tradecertified products available through its dining facilities, catered events, offices and stores. The initiative also encourages faculty to incorporate Fair Trade issues into their teaching. SU is well-positioned for this, particularly with its food services partner Bon Appétit’s commitment to Fair Trade.

As the Fair Trade resolution underwent its journey toward passage, Jackels collaborated with students and colleagues at SU’s Jesuit sister school, the Universidad Centroamericana Managua (UCA Managua), and farmers in a Nicaraguan coffee farmer cooperative to develop a new Fair Trade coffee available at the university. Branded Café Ambiental, or “environmental coffee,” the product is sourced from the cooperative, which represents more than 200 farms and seven co-ops in the coffee growing region of Matagalpa, Nicaragua.

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SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

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SCIENCE NON-FICTION INNOVATION STARTS HERE Our students are asking tough questions and finding the answers.

Professors are using innovative, experiential pedagogy designed to teach both content and process simultaneously. This is what excellence looks like.

This is what a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education at Seattle University looks like.

On the horizon is the Center for Science and Innovation, a state-of-the-art facility that will be a catalyst for further advancements in teaching, learning and research in the College of Science and Engineering, where students get a personalized education with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1. With new teaching and research labs and collaborative spaces, SU will be equipped to accommodate increasing numbers of majors in science, engineering and health sciences.

And the need is great. Washington is #1 in the concentration of STEM jobs.

DESIGNED FOR DISCOVERY, BUILT FOR COLLABORATION

• Expanding access to meet demand. Enrollment in the college has increased by 33 percent in the past 5 years, with a 65 percent increase in engineering and computer science majors.

• Learn the principles of science in flexible labs suitable for teaching biology, chemistry and physics and designed for easy transitions between lecture, lab work and data analysis.

• Develop analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills through

student-centered, inquiry based learning, faculty mentored research and sponsored industry design projects.

23K Unfulfilled jobs in WA state requiring a STEM background.

• Industry-led engineering design projects. Teams of students tackle year-long projects solving real problems for external sponsors.

• Entrepreneurial partnerships between engineering students and their peers in the Albers School of Business and Economics.

• Humanitarian engineering projects for people in developing countries, such as water purification systems, water treatment systems and solar and wind-powered electrical systems.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2015

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

WOMEN IN STEM SEATTLE U IS A LEADER FOR INCREASING THE NUMBER OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING IN THE COLLEGE:

• Two associate deans are women.

• Five of the nine departments are chaired by women.

• In the 2014 academic year, 454 female students—UG and GR—were registered in S&E, which is more than 40% of the total registration for the college.

45% of SU’s full-time faculty members in S&E are women .

PERCENTAGES OF WOMEN AMONG ALL S&E FACULTY:

Part-time =

35

Tenured tenure-track =

37

Full-time instructor/lecturer =

65

EQUATION FOR SUCCESS Allison Henrich, associate professor and chair of mathematics, is one of the best in the U.S. Henrich is a 2015 recipient of the Henry L. Alder Award for Distinguished Teaching, presented by the Mathematical Association of America. With the honor, Henrich is in rare and esteemed company as the prestigious award is given annually to only two to three professors in the field nationwide. The honor recognizes “beginning college or university faculty whose teaching has been extraordinarily successful and whose effectiveness in teaching undergraduate mathematics is shown to have influence beyond their classrooms.”

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ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE

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THE WAC TITLE DOESN’T WEIGH MUCH, BUT IT TOOK ALL 27 TO RAISE IT CROSS COUNTRY RUNS AWAY WITH TITLE The Seattle University women’s cross country team had four All-Conference performances and a gutsy effort from a veteran to win the 2014 Western Athletic Conference Women’s Cross Country Championship.

Seattle U head coach Trisha Steidl was named WAC Coach of the Year as she led the Redhawks to the first Division I conference title in the program’s history.

“This is something that we have had our eye on since day one of the season, something we have been really focused on and they have been very determined,” Steidl says.

CONGRATULATIONS TO women’s soccer, which won its second WAC title and second consecutive NCAA Division I berth.

The team outscored its opponents 12-0 in WAC play this season.

In the first round of the NCAA Championship tournament, the women beat Washington State 2-1 in a double overtime thriller.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2015

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE FIELD Since joining the league in 2012, we have earned 8 team and 3 individual WAC titles. Seattle University’s student-athletes display their athletic prowess in their chosen sport and their intellectual might in their majors of choice.

Of the 303 student-athletes in spring quarter 2014, 27 posted a 4.0 GPA, 58 percent earned President’s List distiniction with a GPA of 3.9 or higher and 87 made the Dean’s List with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

The average GPA of our student-athletes is 3.291.

Our student-athletes also were recognized by the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) for having the highest 2013–14 overall GPA among all institutions in the conference.

HIGH SCORES • 10 student-athletes were invited to join Honor Societies.

• Several student-athletes have

received prominent scholarships for their academic excellence.

• 181 student-athletes earned

All-Academic conference honors.

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DESTINATION: SEATTLE

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WE GOT OUR FOOT IN THE DOOR

BY GOING IN

HEAD FIRST LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

It’s no secret that Seattle University is nestled in the heart of a world-class city that hums and pulsates, drawing from the energy and vitality of innovative companies that got their start here and a home-grown arts scene with international reach. It’s also no secret that the Emerald City has earned its “green” reputation as it has been named the most sustainable city in the U.S and SU among the greenest universities. We were the first educational institution in the state to sign the Washington Business Climate Declaration. And our Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability (CEJS), located in the world’s greenest commercial building, continues to be a leader in advancing the dialogue and actions needed to address climate change.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2015

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

#1

TOP 5

#1

City for job growth.

Employers of SU graduates in the region: Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, PACCAR and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Most innovative city in the U.S.

BRIGHT MEDIA

GEEKWIRE

ALUMNI LEADING THE WAY Seattle University alumni were among those featured in the Puget Sound Business Journal’s annual “40 Under 40” special spotlighting top business leaders under the age of 40.

Alumni who received the honor include: Steve Galatro — ’09 MFAL, executive director of the Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle’s Central District Matt Iseri — ’05 MBA, founder and president of TokuSaku Consulting, a management consulting firm in Seattle’s Pioneer Square David Wasielewski­— ’01 MBA, managing partner and general manager at Din Tai Fung Restaurant in Bellevue’s Lincoln Square

ALUMNI FACT

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38,000

TOP 5

Alumni living in the Puget Sound region.

Employers of SU student interns: Physio Control, Amazon, Boeing, Ernst & Young and the City of Seattle.

2nd Best city for today’s college graduates.

CNBC

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SUCCESS STORY

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A FOUNDATION THAT OPENS GATES KRISTI THORNE ALUMNA | ALBERS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS Some people are all about setting goals— whether it’s a New Year’s resolution to eat better or a career-minded one to land that promotion. Kristi Thorne, ’14 MBA, is not one of those people.

“I never have an answer for what my five- or 10-year professional goals are.

Rather than have a goal, I pick tasks I like,” says Thorne, who is program manager in the office of the president in global policy and advocacy at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Surprising though her approach may be, it clearly works.

In 2006, Thorne started at the Gates Foundation as a librarian who catalogued media assets. It was a foot-inthe-door opportunity for a new college graduate, one who worked in the library as a work-study student all four years during her undergrad studies.

Back then, the Gates Foundation had a staff of 350.

Today, the staff is at 1,400. Growth brought with it more opportunities. Every couple of years Thorne found a new position with greater responsibility that was a better fit.

together and how human resources’ policy and core job functions are likely to have an effect on other departments,” says Thorne.

It didn’t take long before she started to think it was time She says her Seattle University education gave her a to grow her skills in a more expansive way. She had a welldefined idea of what she wanted in a graduate program and new suite of resources. was familiar with the vision and mission of a Jesuit education.

“When I had to move 60 people around, I had tactics to mitigate negative side effects and had very few problems.”

“When I was looking, I knew I wanted a social justice element,” she says. “I was working in the nonprofit sector What does she find the most rewarding about her work? building strong communities. The Albers MBA program stood out. Plus, it was a night program.”

“Making other people’s jobs easier to get great work done, taking away the bureaucracy, breaking down silos What did she gain? physically, mentally and emotionally,” she says. “I’m an expert in employee communications, not fighting malaria, “The program gave me an understanding of ecosystems, yet I’m contributing to a greater mission.” of how businesses work, how all the components come

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2015

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

STEVEN PALAZZO COLLEGE OF NURSING Economically depressed communities in Washington lack funding to support classroom activities for teens that decrease risk factors for cardiovascular disease, says Steven Palazzo, PhD, MN, RN, CNE. Palazzo, an assistant professor in the College of Nursing, is one of just 12 nursing educators from across the United States to win a highly competitive grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Nurse Faculty Scholars program.

The award is given to junior faculty who show outstanding promise as future leaders in academic nursing. He received a three-year, $350,000 award to promote his academic career and support his research. “(The grant) will fund an innovative research program aimed at one of the country’s greatest health care challenges—cardiovascular disease,” he says.

The RWJF grant allows Palazzo to expand and evaluate Teen Take

Heart, a program he has developed in partnership with the Hope Heart Institute to promote science education and health behavior change for teenagers in underserved communities.

He and Cherie Skager, the executive director of the Hope Heart Institute, worked together to develop an academic and nonprofit partnership that leverages the strengths of both organizations to implement prevention health science.

For his research, he uses a series of interactive in-class instructional and hands-on, kit-based modules to improve knowledge and increase awareness of how behaviors and attitudes affect cardiovascular health.

As an added benefit, the program introduces teens to options for healthcare careers that rely on science.

The program is currently in four Washington high schools and will be expanding to Eastern Washington in the 2015–16 academic year.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE Joe, ‘67 and Terri Gaffney, ’67, ’89 receive high honor This year Seattle University bestowed its highest honor, the St. Ignatius Medal, on Joe and Terri Gaffney, alumni and longtime supporters of the university. The medal is presented to individuals who exhibit outstanding leadership, service, a commitment to others and generous spirit.

The Gaffneys met and fell in love at SU, where they also deepened their shared passion for serving others.

Their contributions to the university are significant. Joe served on the Board of Trustees from 1998 to 2004, following eight years as a Regent.

He has been involved in every Capital Campaign beginning with the 21st Century Campaign in 1980, and has led the university’s Planned Giving Committee. Terri has been very active with the School of Theology and Ministry. She was co-chair and served on the board since the school’s inception. Additionally, she was on the Planning Committee for the Chapel of St. Ignatius. Currently, she is a member of the Catholic Jesuit Identity Committee that advises the Board of Trustees. The Gaffneys are among the creators of two endowments: the Patrick J. Howell, S.J., Professorship of Theology and Ministry and the Loretta Jancoski Endowed Scholarship.

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SUCCESS STORY

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LEADING ON AND OFF THE FIELD STEPHANIE VERDOIA STUDENT | ARTS & SCIENCES Speaking to first-year Seattle U studentathletes during orientation for incoming athletes, senior Stephanie Verdoia was asked when she started playing soccer. Her answer?

At age 3 she was kicking around the soccer ball, although she acknowledged that she wasn’t very good in those early years.

To see her now on the pitch, weaving through defenders, finding the open spot in the net, one would probably not believe that there ever was a time when Verdoia was not a natural in her chosen sport.

One of only four seniors on the 27-person women’s soccer roster, Verdoia has emerged as a leader not only within her own squad, but throughout the Athletics Department and nationally.

Recently she was named the 2014 Capital One Academic All-America® of the Year for Division I Women’s Soccer.

Alongside the prestigious honor, Verdoia also earned a spot on the Academic All-America® First Team for 2014.

Off the field, the political science major is a member of the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society.

“Winning Academic All-America of the Year is one of the most gratifying rewards I have been presented. I was completely shocked, but it makes me very proud to think I am representing Seattle U on a national level,” says Verdoia.

“I truly believe in Seattle University and the education it provides; therefore, to have the opportunity to portray the amazing experience that is possible here is a wonderful gift.”

In January, she was selected in the 4th round for the National Women’s Soccer League professional team the Boston Breakers. That same month she was named Seattle’s Female Sports Star of the Year.

“Steph’s commitment to improving this offseason has really paid off,” says longtime Seattle U head women’s soccer coach Julie Woodward. “…Simply a great person, a great athlete and a phenomenal student.

She is the whole package.”

In addition to giving her all in the classroom and on the field, Verdoia also gives back to the community, from her work in after-school programs at Bailey Gatzert Elementary to Special Olympics and Rotary Boys & Girls Club. She also serves as a peer mentor and on Seattle U’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Verdoia leads by example and there will not be a question of if she makes an impact. As she embarks on a pro soccer career, Verdoia’s star will continue to shine bright.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2015

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

MARY ALBERG COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Professor Mary Alberg, PhD, has been a staple in the Physics Department at the College of Science and Engineering since 1979. A leader in her field, Alberg’s passion for research is deep and storied and her work as a physicist is inspiring to students and colleagues alike.

The admiration for her work in the classroom and as an accomplished and well-published researcher was recognized on a national level.

Recently, she was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society, the leading physicists’ professional society in the world.

Alberg was cited “for seminal contributions to understanding the sea of the nucleon and other baryons and her extraordinary service to the physics community.”

The number of APS Fellows is small, with annual election limited to less than one-half of one percent of the membership. The lifetime fellowship is one that most active physicists never achieve—and Alberg is the first from Seattle University to receive this honor.

Alberg’s teaching includes a wide

variety of physics courses from the introductory level through upper-level nuclear and particle physics.

Many of her students have the unique experience of engaging in research as undergraduates and serving as co-authors on publications.

“I really feel that I am the students’ coach,” she says. “I am here to help them learn.”

The focus of her research, which is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, centers on theoretical and phenomenological nuclear physics including quarks and gluons in protons, neutrons and mesons. In addition to her work at SU, Alberg collaborates with her counterparts at the University of Washington.

But it’s her care for her students that makes her so beloved—“the most important people in my professional life are my undergraduate students.”

“Teaching is a remarkable profession where you are paid to learn new things,” she says. “I have always said, ‘I will teach for free but you have to pay me to grade.’”

SU OFFERS FIRST LEGAL STUDIES PROGRAM IN ALASKA Third-year law students will study and work in Anchorage in fall 2015 at Seattle University School of Law’s Alaska satellite campus.

Students from SU and other law schools who are from Alaska or want to pursue legal careers there are applying to be part of the inaugural class. The innovative program will provide Alaska-centered curriculum and on-the-job experience at a variety of employers in Alaska, the only state without its own law school.

“We are eager to bring legal education to Alaska through this program we have worked so long to create,” says Dean Annette E. Clark, ’89. “The satellite campus fills a need for Alaskan students and the Alaska legal community. We are grateful for the tremendous support from so many in Anchorage and throughout the state.”

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

THE PATH LESS TAKEN

YOU SHAPE OUR FUTURE Your gift builds a global network of leaders who carry on the university’s proud legacy and Jesuit heritage. With your support, we secure a strong today and an inspired tomorrow.

POWER OF GIVING Contributions to colleges, schools and programs

Seattle University Fund College of Arts and Sciences Albers School of Business and Economics College of Education School of Law College of Nursing College of Science and Engineering School of Theology and Ministry Institute for Catholic Thought & Culture SU Youth Initiative/Center for Service and Community Engagement Scholarship Initiatives Athletics Other Initiatives

$1,674,163 $812,231 $610,838 $152,478 $1,967,352 $623,156 $22,588,320 $1,290,034 $3,604,000 $556,769 $20,231,906 $1,212,883 $811,042

Total (Fiscal Year July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014):

$56,135,172

ENDOWMENT SUPPORT FY2014 Distributed $7.6 million in university support designated as follows: 31%

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

30%

SCHOLARSHIPS

22%

CHAIRS/PROFESSORSHIPS

17%

GENERAL UNIVERSITY SUPPORT

ABOUT GIVING Your gift helps provide unparalleled educational opportunities for students.

More information: www.seattleu.edu/giving 206-296-6100

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2015

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

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SEATTLE UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION

BOARD OF REGENTS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Stephen Sundborg, S.J., President Timothy Leary, Executive Vice President Isiaah Crawford, Provost Connie Kanter, V.P. / Finance and Business Affairs Marilyn Crone, V.P. / Enrollment Management Michele Murray, V.P. / Student Development Robert Dullea, V.P. / Planning Peter Ely, S.J., V.P. / Mission and Ministry Gerald Huffman, V.P. / Human Resources and University Services Scott McClellan, V.P. / Communications Michael Podlin, V.P. / University Advancement Mary Petersen, V.P. / University Counsel

Mary Lou Amen, ’70 Mary Helen Bever, ’83, ’12 Robert Brennan, ’64 Maureen Brotherton, ’96 Patricia Buchsel, ’74 Christopher G. Canlas, ’o1 Brian Comstock Christopher J. Corr John J. Costello, ’53 Sr. Joyce M. Cox, BVM Hon. Anita Crawford-Willis, ’82,’86 Salah Dandan Deacon Mike G. Daniels, ’70 Janet M. Dwyer, ’70 William F. Eisiminger, ’67, ’73 Peter B. Ely, S.J. (Ex Officio) Ronald J. Giuffre, ’67 David Grant, ’15 Timotha (Timmie) Hollomon James P. Jorgensen, ’65 Daniel J. McKay Marlene R. Miller Richard E. Mitchell, J.D. Michael W. Podlin (Ex Officio) Marilyn S. Price Kathleen Schafer, ’81 Diane R. Siderius-Kocer ’82 Pastor Paul A. Stoot Stephen Sundborg, S.J. (Ex Officio) Eric Sype, ’15 Vince M. Volpe Deborah J. Wilds Kathleen R. Wright Joseph Zavaglia, ’71 Ralph K. Zech II, DDS, ’72

Mohamed Alabbar, ’82 Rodney A. Bench Maureen Benoliel, ’71 Robert H. Blais Ann Blume Mark G. Bosco, S.J. David W. Burcham Peter W. Chiarelli, ’72 Thomas A. Ellison Allan C. Golston, ’99 Donald J Horowitz W. Craig Jelinek Patrick M. Kelly, S.J. Maureen Lee Thomas M. Lucas, S.J. Michael C. McCarthy, S.J. Thomas Neitzke, S.J. Carol K. Nelson, ’84 Killian Noe William A. Owens Nicole W. Piasecki Robert A. Ratliffe Scott Redman Pete J. Rose David Sabey Stephen Sundborg, S.J. (ex officio) Stevens U. Trainer Jennifer E. Turpin John H. Vassall, II Jill A. Wakefield, ’92 Eric J. Watson, S.J. Betty Woods, ’74 Jeffrey J. Wright

ALUMNI BOARD OF GOVERNORS Dan Nicholson, ’03 President Katy Greve, ’10 President-Elect Michelle Anschell, ’05 Stacy Bennett, ’89 John Bianchi, ’02, ’04 Mikel Carlson, ’12 Joslyn Donlin, ’89 Lisa J. Downey, ’79 Jim Dykeman, ’61 Anne-Marie La Porte, ’96 Joseph Leigh, ’09 Karen Lynn Maher, ’00 Sheely Mauck, ’09 Marilyn Richards, ’79 John Ruffo, ’65, ’71 Ken Schow, ’10 Lauren Sedillo, ’03 Toyia Taylor, ’11 Kirsten Wattenberg, ’10 D.J. Weidner, ’07 Amanda Wong, ’98 Ann Yoo, ’98

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Trustees Emeriti: Anne Farrell, John Meisenbach, ’60, James Sinegal, Ann Wyckoff EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Robert Ratliffe, Chair Nicole Piasecki, Vice Chair David Burcham, Secretary Betty Woods, Past Chair Rod Bench, At-Large Dave Sabey, At-Large Stephen Sundborg, S.J. (ex officio)

seattleu.edu/president