As I respond to God’s call to serve SPU in this time, I am filled with gratitude. It was unquestioningly good to be back on campus this year. Returning with COVID still among us tested our capacity at moments, but watching students find community and deeply engage in the classroom, and beyond, roots us in our enduring mission and confirms our resilience in the current context.
After 18 months of COVID-19 restrictions, students returned to campus this past fall; SPU was once again ranked a “Best National University” by U.S. News and World Report; the Seattle Pacific Foundation demonstrated profound excellence in fiscal stewardship compared to peer and larger institutions; and SPU celebrated 100 years of Ivy ceremonies in 2022.
A variety of new undergraduate and graduate programs were launched; SPU welcomes a new assistant provost for experiential learning; the Social Venture Plan Competition is again held in person; the Bill Pollard Faith and Research Fellowship brings selected scholars to campus.
The Office of Inclusive Excellence brought three high-profiles speakers to campus; the Theological Integration Fellows Program welcomed its third cohort; and due to the generosity of donors, every SPU freshman experienced SoulCare, as a way to experience Christian community.
The Center for Faithful Business launched the fourth season of the Faith & Co. film series; nursing students partner with public health opportunities; SPU students assist in setting up World Relief Seattle's Home-to-Home exhibit.
Women’s soccer wins NCAA West Region title and advance to the NCAA Elite 8; men's soccer win first GNAC title since 2015; SPU presented with the NCAA DII President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the 11th year in a row; student-athletes earn Academic and Team All-American awards; the varsity four women's rowing team place in NCAA regatta.
Salt & Light virtual donor event held; estate gifts increased substantially this year; Faith at Work spotlights business as a calling; Giving Day exceeds goals; and Pivot NW focuses on young-adult-church involvement.
Dr. Steve Mitchell named 2022 Alumnus of the Year; alumni are selected for Fulbright awards; the short documentary, The Time to Heal, garners acclaim and is featured at film festivals; SPU Voices Podcast continued telling compelling stories.