President's Updates

I hope this finds you well and enjoying the last few days of summer. It is hard to believe that we are less than two weeks away from the start of fall quarter. While I’ve found that every academic year is distinctive in its own right, 2021–2022 promises to be a year unlike any other.

As I settle into my second week as Seattle University’s new president, I want to take this opportunity to express how excited I am to be here and to wish each of you a summer full of joy and restoration.

As Pride Month begins, the university celebrates and stands in solidarity with all LGBTQ+ people and especially those students, faculty, staff and alumni who are part of our Seattle U family.

Next Tuesday marks the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. To acknowledge his life and pray for continued healing, peace and progress toward justice, we will gather for a Vigil of Remembrance and Reconciliation.

Today marks the 500th anniversary of the day on which Ignatius of Loyola was struck by a cannonball in a battle at Pamplona. This upending of his chivalrous life led to his conversion of putting himself at the service of Jesus Christ and led to the founding of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits.

I am pleased to share that beginning this year SU will formally observe Juneteenth as a university holiday. As Juneteenth—June 19—this year falls on a Saturday, the university will close on Friday, June 18, 2021, in observance of the holiday.