Stewart Serves in Kenya as Fulbright Scholar
Through a Fulbright Scholarship, Professor of Accounting Ross Stewart participated in the U.S. Speaker and Specialist Program in Kenya, supporting the U.S. State Department’s public diplomacy efforts by conducting entrepreneurship workshops during Summer 2013. Stewart taught a series of hands-on, collaborative sessions for dozens of young would-be business owners. He also held discussions on business issues with county officials, community organizers, and media representatives.
Thoburn and Student Work With Syrian Refugees in Jordan
John Thoburn, professor of clinical psychology, returned to Jordan in September 2013 to work with refugee families of the Syrian conflict living there. He and a clinical psychology graduate student provided support and training to local volunteers in sustainable psychological relief. Their Health Support Team curriculum was created after a 2010 deployment to Haiti for post-earthquake support.
“Business Parables” Online Devotional Launched
The Center for Integrity in Business began publishing a new online weekly devotional under the title “Business Parables,” written by Assistant Professor of Business Ethics Bruce Baker. The devotional delivers fresh content every Wednesday in the style of Oswald Chambers’ classic devotional My Utmost for His Highest.
Segall Spends Winter Quarter in Iraq
Professor of English Kim Segall spent her Winter Quarter sabbatical continuing two decades of research in the Middle East, South Africa, and developing countries. On the trip, Segall designed and led reconciliation writing workshops for Iraqi and Syrian refugees in Iraqi Kurdistan. In 2013, Segall also published her first book, Performing Democracy in Iraq and South Africa: Gender, Media, and Resistance.
Literary Arts Journal Image Celebrates 25 Years
In downtown Seattle on May 15, 2014, Gregory Wolfe — founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Image, the quarterly literary arts journal housed at SPU — presented the 11th annual Denise Levertov Award to poet and author Scott Cairns. The award honors the work of an artist who powerfully engages Judeo-Christian tradition. Image celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Erisman Helps Lead Theology of Work Project
Al Erisman, School of Business and Economics executive-in-residence, was elected vice chairman and treasurer of the board, and co-chairman of the steering committee for the national Theology of Work Project. In January 2014, the Project completed the approval of the final documents for its commentary on the Bible and what it has to say about the daily work of Christians.
Grant Funds New Study Program in England
Geri Mason, assistant professor of economics, has received a grant of $5,500 from the Charles Koch Foundation to develop a study abroad trip in England exploring the theme of liberty and the free market.
McKenna and Students Help to Dedicate College in India
A team from SPU’s School of Psychology, Family, and Community traveled to Hyderabad, India, in January 2014 to participate in the groundbreaking of Immanuel University’s new McKenna College of Education, named after SPU’s fifth president, David McKenna, and his wife, Janet. The couple’s son Rob McKenna, associate professor of industrial/organizational psychology, led the SPU group, which comprised master’s and doctoral degree students. The team also served as consultants to the school’s administration.
Lectio Concludes First Four Years
Lectio, SPU’s free online guided Bible reading program, concluded a four-year cycle with commentary spanning Genesis to Revelation. This weekly content has been read or listened to hundreds of thousands of times by people in nearly 60 countries.
Study Abroad Trips Span the Globe
SPU students experienced more opportunities to learn around the world in 2013–14, with global seminars in Northern Ireland and Guatemala offered for the first time. A music immersion seminar in New York City, along with a food sustainability seminar in Florence, Italy, will be launched in September 2014.