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September 2011 | Volume 5, Issue 8

It's All About Relationships

By Dorothy VanNess, SPU Parent Council President

I want to extend a warm welcome to both the new and the returning parents who are part of the Seattle Pacific University community. Your student has made an excellent choice to join SPU. And we're excited to invite you to join us as we journey together in this season of your life and that of your student.

We're all at different stages of this transition. Some are dealing with the emotions that come with having their first child leave for college. Others are nearing the end of their time here. Regardless of our experience, though, we share common goals: We want to stay connected to our students, get to know other SPU parents and students, and learn as much as we can about the University.

The SPU Parent Council exists to encourage and strengthen such important relationships -- especially through special events we host during the year, including SPU Mom's Day, the President's Luncheon during Homecoming Weekend, and SPU Dad's Day.

During these events, parents can experience a taste of campus life with their students, meet other parents, and hear firsthand from SPU staff and administrators how their students are "engaging the culture and changing the world." My husband and I have enjoyed getting to know many of our fellow parents through these events. We encourage you to get connected as well.

Read more.

Every Student a Leader

By Philip W. Eaton, SPU President

Leadership is on my mind these days. Presidential candidates, school superintendents, CEOs, and coaches are all touting their leadership credentials. But what defines a good leader? And perhaps more importantly for our purposes as a university: How do we develop strong leaders?

Recently a person of influence said to me, "I run into SPU students everywhere. They are out there, leading the way, wherever I go." What a compliment! And so true. In education, business, health care, the arts, and more -- our faculty, staff, students, and alumni are out there solving problems, creating products and programs, influencing policies, and helping those in need. They are leaders.

At Seattle Pacific we believe that every student is a leader. Every student has the potential to apply the skills and competencies she or he learns here and to use those abilities to serve the world. And, really, that's what leadership is about: serving.

Parents, thank you for partnering with us to teach and model faithful Christian leadership and scholarship. Together we are working to ensure that every SPU student becomes a leader who will change the world.

Read more at President Eaton's blog

Leaving the Nest

One of the more emotionally painful milestones for parents is saying goodbye as their student transitions into college and away from home. Steve Maybell, director of SPU's Student Counseling Center, offers some heartfelt tips and insights on this big transition, including the healthy side of sadness, the gift of responsibility, the joy of revival, and the necessity for prayer.
Read more.


Read more news and articles at In the Loop online.

If your student is looking for a way to get involved at SPU, connect with a church, or find a part-time job, the following events can streamline the process.

  • Involve-O-Rama in Martin Square on Sunday, 9/25/11, 5:30-7:30 p.m., introduces incoming students to more than 50 clubs and organizations that will help them participate in campus life.

  • The Church Fair in Martin Square on Tuesday, 9/27/11, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., highlights some of the 300 local churches in SPU's database, and helps students find rides to and from church.

  • The Job Fair in Gwinn Commons on Tuesday, 9/27/11, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., connects students with more than 30 employers looking to fill current openings.

SPU Mobile App

Connect to SPU resources on the go with SPU Mobile App for iPhone, iPod touch, Android, and more. SPU is at your fingertips: news, videos, campus maps, course info, directories, the Library, and lectures on SPU iTunes. Download it for free.


Upcoming Events

Day of Common Learning
October 19

SPU's 10th annual Day of Common Learning will focus on the intersection of science and faith. This year's keynote speaker is astronomer Dr. Jennifer Wiseman, who has studied star-forming regions of our galaxy and currently serves as the senior project scientist for NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The afternoon will include a variety of seminars led by SPU faculty, students, and staff. All of the day's events are free and open to the public. Learn more.

Scripture as Formation
October 20

In this free public lecture titled "St. Mark: The Basic Text for Christian Spirituality," SPU alumnus the Rev. Eugene Peterson, award-winning author of more than 30 books, including The Message, explores the role of Scripture in Christian spiritual formation and education. Learn more.

SPU Mom's Day
November 5

Reconnect with your son or daughter and join other SPU moms and their students on campus for lunch with SPU First Lady Sharon Eaton, a special photo scavenger hunt throughout campus and Seattle, Falcon soccer games, and more. Save the date now; registration will begin in October.

The Sacred Sounds of Christmas
November 28 and 29

Get early-bird rates to this popular holiday concert! Now in its 12th year, this Christmastime tradition features SPU's acclaimed Concert Choir, Wind Symphony, and Orchestra in performance at Seattle's Benaroya Hall, home to the Seattle Symphony. Through September 30, you can purchase individual tickets for $15, and groups of 10 or more for $12 per ticket. But hurry! This concert sells out fast. Learn more.