I am happy to share with you this Year in Review, which commemorates the endeavors and successes of the students, faculty, alumni, and staff of ɬÀï·¬. While many things were accomplished in the 2019–20 academic year, the COVID-19 pandemic has more recently exacerbated pressures on higher education and upended the delivery of instruction and student life.
Spring Quarter moved to a first-ever completely remote learning environment; SPU made U.S. News and World Report’s "Best National Universities" list; racial injustice listening groups and diversity workshops were held; a new provost for SPU began her tenure; our music therapy program celebrated its first decade; and the ɬÀï·¬ Pacific Foundation’s investments posted an excellent rate of return.
The Social Venture Plan Competition went online; the Honors Program curriculum was revised; the Martinez Fellows program expanded; accreditation for the School of Business, Government, and Economics was renewed; innovative career services were offered; and an educational inequities workshop was held.
Students were prayed for by name; World War II's Japanese American internment was remembered with events; two Faith Initiative projects are underway; students are offered multiple worship opportunities and styles; and “Faith for the Future” scholarships assist students seeking faith-based college education.
SPU’s annual diversity lecture launched; the Sacred Sounds of Christmas concert thrilled; Faith & Co. expanded its reach; new students served ɬÀï·¬ through CityQuest; a nursing project helped a local nonprofit; students served in the Philippines; Downtown Business Breakfast sponsors redirected support; teacher workshops were held in Asia; and SPU supported community literacy.
College sports were suspended for safety; men’s basketball won their division title; women’s cross country finished in the top 12; SPU Athletics won a prestigious academic award for the ninth year; GNAC added women’s rowing as a sponsored sport; and men’s soccer standout Travis Swallow received his second consecutive Academic All-American honor.
Homecoming Weekend drew an enthusiastic crowd; the SPU Voices Podcast shared stories and wisdom; and Co-Alumni of the Year and Medallion Award winners were honored.
The second annual Giving Day was deemed a success; Falcon Athletics received a gift of nearly $1 million; the President’s Award for Philanthropy was awarded to Gary and Barbara Ames; and a $1 million pledge supported scholarships for seminarians going into ministry.