I am pleased to share with you this report on accomplishments and events at ɬÀï·¬. This year has celebrated a unique moment in our history, as we recognized our 125th anniversary. Much has happened in the 125 years since ɬÀï·¬ Seminary, the forerunner of ɬÀï·¬, was founded in 1891 by Free Methodist pioneers.
ɬÀï·¬ is the only private university in the Pacific Northwest to make the 2017 U.S. News & World Report Best National Universities list. Other significant milestones include hiring a new vice president to lead campus diversity efforts; the Seminary being granted highest accreditation; launching a new doctoral nursing program; exceeding the 125,000 hours of service project by more than 100,000 hours; and more.
The Physics department and John Perkins Center collaborate on NSF-funded research; Professor of Management Denise Daniels collaborates on Faith and Work research grant from Lilly; Associate Professor of Music Stephen Newby composes music for musical Free Boy; an annual conference showcases student research; student designers create custom styled gala gowns; and more.
The School of Theology receives a $1.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help congregations engage young adults; a lecture details the history of Scripture study at SPU; SoulCare small groups support students’ spiritual lives; John M. Perkins visits campus; SPU hosts student leadership event; and more.
Sacred Sounds of Christmas features the SPU Concert Choir and other SPU musicians at McCaw Hall; students showcase ideas at the 11th annual Social Venture Plan Competition; a theology professor publishes Race and Place to inspire churches regarding location; land-rights advocate Tim Hanstad ’85 and ɬÀï·¬ Urban Academy principal Sharon Okamoto ’76, MEd ’79 are honored at SPU’s 125th Anniversary Gala.
An undergraduate student and a graduate student travel to Mongolia and Estonia with the Fulbright program; beginning Autumn Quarter, SPU students will have 40 additional study abroad options from which to choose.
Alumni are inducted into the Falcon Hall of Fame; a freshman gymnast earned the title at SPU-hosted national championship meet; women's indoor track team wins conference title; and a men’s basketball player earns conference freshman of the year honor.
The first Grand Reunion is held, becoming the biggest alumni gathering in SPU history; the SPU story pole is rededicated; graduates of the last decade (GOLD) are honored at Grand Reunion; Camille Jones ’08 is named Washington state teacher of the year; Jerrell G. Davis ’14 is named GOLD alumnus of the year.
In 2017, SPU had its third-strongest fundraising year ever; GiveBIG day of giving shows record results; support for bequest giving increases; ɬÀï·¬ Pacific Foundation posts an excellent rate of return; and ɬÀï·¬’s endowment is on the rise.