Seattle Pacific University: Parents and Families In the Loop

Spring 2008 | Volume 2, Issue 1

Reconciled: A Gospel Symphony

SPU Gospel Choir: ReconciledBuoyed by audience acclaim following last year's inaugural performances of Reconciled: A Gospel Symphony, Seattle Pacific University's Gospel Choir and Wind Symphony again join forces to present this memorable concert and worship experience.

Reconciled takes the stage at two different Northwest venues: Rolling Hills Community Church in Tualatin, Oregon, on March 16; and Seattle First Presbyterian Church on March 30. Admission is free.


Special guest at the Seattle concert will be John Perkins, international reconciliation advocate and founding partner with SPU in the John Perkins Center for Reconciliation, Leadership Training, and Community Development. Two days later, on April 1, Perkins will present his annual John Perkins Lecture at SPU.

Reconciled fuses two very different American genres into a new kind of musical experience that has stirred the hearts of concertgoers. "I sat with tears in my eyes, awed by the group's sound, its ministry, and ability to communicate each musical nuance," said Jim Rice, president of the Northwest Division of the National Association for Music Education, after attending Reconciled in 2007.

For more information, visit www.spu.edu/reconciled.

What Is SpringBoard?

Students learn professional skillsEach year, from February to May, SPU's innovative program SpringBoard helps students explore their calling.

Designed for students at all levels, SpringBoard offers seminars, workshops, and fairs that enable students to
  • Select a major.
  • Discover a vocation.
  • Find internships.
  • Prepare for job searches and interviews.
  • Look into graduate school.

SpringBoard offers topics from social and professional etiquette to networking with ease. Other sessions include everything from women and work, to the pros and cons of taking a year off after graduation.

Many of the sessions occur during lunchtime, so students can network with alumni and potential employers. Check out this year's events, and encourage your students to spring ahead in their careers and interests.

Steve Maybell: "Hear" to Help

Steve Maybell, director of the Seattle Pacific University Student Counseling Center"I've never loved a job to the degree I love this one," says Steve Maybell, director of the Seattle Pacific University Student Counseling Center. "Other places I've worked, the clients have drained me. Not here."

He attributes that sentiment to the students. "The most important factor in the success of mental health therapy is the resources that the clients bring with them. In the case of our students, they generally have strong family support, strong values, and plenty of youth and energy."

A father of two who has published two parenting books, Maybell understands the worry that parents experience, especially when a child is away from home for the first time. And he wants to put parents' minds at ease.

"Parents need to know that SPU is a supportive and comforting place," he says. "Students don't fall through the cracks here."

To read more about Maybell and how the counseling center supports students, visit the Parents and Families website.

On Track to Graduate?

Ruth Adams, university registrar, shares these tips to help students track their academic progress:

  • Meet their people. Every undergraduate student is assigned a faculty advisor and an academic counselor to assist with registration, academic progress, and degree-requirement completion. Encourage your student to see his or her advisor quarterly and to check in with his or her counselor regularly.
  • Review their lists. Students receive a graduation checklist when they are admitted to SPU that outlines all the University, Common Curriculum, and Exploratory Curriculum requirements. Requirements for majors and minors are outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog.
  • Plot their courses. Students have access in the Undergraduate Catalog to suggested course sequence forms. These outline what courses should be taken to complete their degree in four years. Urge your student to use them.

For more tips and resources, visit the Parents and Families website.

2008-09 Tuition Update
Read about the 2008-09 tuition, fees, and room-and-board rates.

SPU's Concert Choir in Spokane, Wash.
Awake, My Heart! Enjoy SPU's nationally recognized Concert Choir in the rich acoustics of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Spokane. The cathedral is one of the few and finest examples of gothic architecture in the new world. March 15, 2008, 7:30 p.m. FREE. RSVP at www.spu.edu/SpokaneAlumni. Questions? Call 206-281-2586.

Got a New Student?
Visit the Orientation/New Student Advising website to help your student prepare for his or her educational journey at Seattle Pacific.

Avoid Identity Theft
Over 10 million people fall victim to identity theft each year. As part of its "Financial Information Series," Student Financial Services will offer a class on April 23 that discusses how to avoid becoming a victim - and how to recover if it happens. Visit Student Financial Services for more information, and encourage your student to attend.

"You Can't Take It With You"
This classic American theatrical comedy demonstrates family is something that can't be taken from you - no matter how hard you try. Performances run April 17-19 and 24-26. $12 general/$10 students/seniors. For more information, contact 206-281-2959 or visit the SPU Theatre website.

Join us for Chapel, Nights of Worship
Parents are invited to attend any of our Chapel worship services , held Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. in First Free Methodist Church (adjacent to campus).

Parents are also welcome to join us for Nights of Worship, held twice per quarter on Sundays at 7 p.m. in First Free Methodist Church. Spring sessions will be held April 20 and May 18.
Published by: Seattle Pacific University, 3307 3rd Ave. W., Seattle, WA 98119-1950, U.S.A.
Website: www.spu.edu/parents | Feedback: parents@spu.edu | Phone: 206-281-2377
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