Fundraising

Largest Fundraising Year Ever

In the midst of rebuilding staff and operations, the office of University Advancement is encouraged that SPU had a record-breaking fundraising year for fiscal year 2015. The number of alumni, parents, and friends supporting the University has increased. As of June 30, SPU had raised $12,459,060, the highest amount ever. The previous record was fiscal year 2007, when $9,046,958 was raised.

SPU Endowment Grows to $81.4 Million

As of June 30, 2015, the the value of the SPU endowment exceeded $81.4 million, a $9 million increase over the past year. This significant growth is the result of nearly $1.7 million in gifts and very strong investment performance by the Seattle Pacific Foundation, which manages the endowment on behalf of the University.

Library Named in Honor of Ames Family

On November 20, 2014, the newly named Ames Library building was dedicated in honor of Gary and Barbara Ames and their service to Seattle Pacific University, including a recent $7 million gift commitment, the largest single gift in SPU’s history. The Ames family began contributing to SPU 14 years ago, funding a University-wide diversity initiative called the Ames Scholarship. The naming of the building in their honor was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees in recognition of their generosity and leadership.

Ames Library

The SPU Library building was rededicated on November 20, 2014 and given a new name — Ames Library.

Restore Alexander Hall Campaign Nears Completion

A $750,000 grant from The Norcliffe Foundation and a $400,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, along with generous gifts from SPU alumni and friends, brings the total support raised to renovate SPU’s oldest building, Alexander Hall, to more than $6 million. The recently completed restoration included a necessary seismic retrofit and a complete interior renovation, while maintaining the historic, red-brick exterior of the building, which was designated a City of Seattle landmark in 2014. The campaign aims to raise $6.2 million by the end of this year.