2010 president's report

FROM THE PRESIDENT

A NEW ERA for SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

2009/2010 President’s Report 1

“Ten years ago, people used to say, ‘Seattle University is the

best-kept secret.’ This is no longer the case. We are widely recognized

as a university on the rise, shaped by hard work, driven by our

mission and committed to providing the best education and

personal transformation possible.” —President Stephen Sundborg, S.J.


As president of Seattle University I had the opportunity last summer to take

a sabbatical, my first after 12 years in office. I was in Rome and England and had

wonderful experiences with ample time for personal reflection. During this period

I spent some time reviewing the past decade at Seattle University and looking ahead

to the start of a promising new era for the university. It is an exciting and fulfill-

ing time for all of us who are committed to supporting and providing an excellent

education for our students.

After a period that began in 2000 and what our Strategic Plan called “A

Decade for Distinction,” we are now moving into a new era of education. As a Jesuit

Catholic university we have accomplished much over the past 10 years, reaching

milestones that have allowed us to arrive at where we are today—a premier indepen-

dent university.

A UNIVERSITY on the RISE

President Stephen Sundborg, S.J.

2 A New Era for Seattle University 2009/2010 President’s Report 3

Seattle University sits at an elevation high enough to see what our educational

future can be, a future defined by what I call our “educational commons.” This will

be marked by even greater aspirations and achievements, such as the opening of the

new Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons next fall, and the prog-

ress and development of important initiatives. There will also be a stronger focus

on global education, an unwavering commitment to community service and greater

scholarship by our faculty and students.

With this new era upon us we are building on past successes that continue to

influence us going forward. Before I get ahead of myself, I would like to share some

of what has been done during this “Decade for Distinction.” There are many things

I am proud of as president of Seattle University. This was the decade of the new

mission statement and significant growth in undergraduate and graduate students.

Specifically, since 2000, we have had a 30 percent increase in overall students, a 75

percent rise in our graduate students and a doubling of our applications. This period

was a rich time for the creation of educational, engagement and learning centers

including the Center for Service and Community Engagement, Magis: Alumni

Committed for Mission, and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

During this time we established Mission and Ministry; we witnessed the growth

in nursing education; the recognition of our College of Education as the best in

the state; premier national rankings of our schools of business and law; the much

stronger centrality of science, math and engineering in our mission; technological

advancements; and a greater presence, service, visibility and reputation in the city

and throughout the region.

I am especially proud of our dedication to serving and assisting diverse and

underserved populations in our community through concerted service projects.

These efforts have been greatly bolstered by the Center for Service and Community

Engagement, which serves as the central hub to coordinate the many service initia-

tives in which our students and campus participate. Each year this service amounts to

185,000 hours, which in economic terms translates into nearly $7 million annually.


One of the greatest achievements that began in 2003 but will profoundly ben-

efit our efforts in this new era is the capital campaign, For the Difference We Make.

Originally we set an ambitious goal to raise $150 million to develop and expand a

range of programs and educational offerings such as scholarships, professorships,

endowments and facilities. When the campaign came to a close this past June we far

exceeded expectations, raising $169 million. We were able to meet and surpass our

fundraising goals because of the generosity of 21,000 contributors. The outcome of

the campaign affords us opportunities to support the bright and gifted students we

attract and educate, students such as our Costco Scholars and Fostering Scholars.

Students come to Seattle University because of the quality of education, our

mission, our Jesuit Catholic identity and what we stand for—we know this from

our retention of students from their freshman to sophomore years, which has

increased from 80 percent to 90 percent. Our graduation rates have risen from 61

percent to 73 percent. National fellowships have been awarded to 82 students. We

have had unparalleled growth in underrepresented minorities and first-generation

students in this decade and underrepresented minority graduation rates have

climbed sharply, from 30 percent to 77 percent.

When I look ahead beyond this year I want our already quality education to

grow and to be even more in touch with the real issues confronting our country and

our world. There will be new emphasis and resources for scholarships and research

“I want us to be faithful to our kind and quality of education—

what we mean by a ‘Seattle University education,’ a true

Jesuit education.”


so our faculty have the tools to do this. Four key areas that we, as a university,

will focus on this coming year center on our community, global engagement, an

Academic Strategic Action Plan, which includes the design of a new Jesuit-based

Core Curriculum, and the overall student experience.

I want us to be faithful to our kind and quality of education—what we mean

by a “Seattle University education,” a true Jesuit education. It requires us to look

at how we educate students for ever-changing realities in even the most trying of

circumstances. We need to educate our students about healthcare and the more than

45 million individuals in America without it; about issues facing the unemployed,

seniors and youth; and the men and women who face discrimination and social

injustices. As a university we will do even more to educate our students about

these realities.

In this new era we must look at preparing our students to be good citizens

of the world in an evolving global marketplace and with emerging players such as

China and India. We must also be committed to their concerns and the causes most

important to them, such as sustainability and protecting the planet. We are more

than ready for the challenges ahead.

As a religious university, we are educating students to find their free place

to stand in accordance with their beliefs. To be Jesuit means to be Catholic—

inclusively Catholic. It means to be ecumenical, inter-religious and unafraid to

“I want my legacy to be not only a strong, confident university

but also a confidently Catholic and thoroughly Jesuit one.

Being Catholic and Jesuit is our essence as a university.”


engage with religious atheism, agnosticism or indifference, to stand up for the

sanctity of life from beginning to end, to respect all and to know, find and be

committed to one’s own belief. The benefits of a Jesuit education are lasting and

far-reaching. This is evident in the work of our current students and alumni, who

are putting their mark on the world and changing it at the same time. I want my

legacy to be not only a strong, confident university but also a confidently Catholic

and thoroughly Jesuit one. Being Catholic and Jesuit is our essence as a university.

Seattle University will respect this heritage in its rich intellectual, spiritual and

sacramental traditions.

Ten years ago, people used to say, “Seattle University is the best-kept secret.”

This is no longer the case. We are widely recognized as a university on the rise,

shaped by hard work, driven by a mission and committed to providing the best edu-

cation and personal transformation possible. This conviction of mine is confirmed

by a recent Seattle Times editorial about Seattle University, which read in part:

“A fine university can rightfully celebrate a moment when a history of

achievement combines with thoughtful planning and financial capacity to create

extraordinary opportunities. A bright light illuminating amazing possibilities.”

It was very valuable for me to take that sabbatical this past summer, to be

grateful for all that God has made possible in the last decade and to ask for God’s

blessing as we confidently yet humbly move ahead into a new era.

President Stephen Sundborg, S.J.


1. Academic Excellence

Academic success, professional and personal

formation and empowering leaders for a just and

humane world are the cornerstones of a Seattle

University education. To this end an Academic

Strategic Action Plan will be the main fulcrum

for the kind of academic future that is attainable.

Central to this will be the development of a

new Jesuit-based Core Curriculum.

2. Global Engagement

I want all of our students to see themselves as

“international students” for that is what they truly

are. Global education is key to an SU education.

This year we will confidently and boldly expand

our global engagement with resources designated

by a generous donor. We do not need to travel

far to immerse ourselves in international commu-

nities—they are all around our campus and we

can learn from them.

AGENDA for a NEW ERA

6 A New Era for Seattle University

As president I’d like to share with you four key areas, animated by our Jesuit Catholic

mission, that will help shape this new educational era at Seattle University. These

priorities will allow us to reach even higher and ensure our success as a university.


3.Building Community

We are competing nationally for the best and

brightest students, those who will most benefit

from a Jesuit education. As a premier indepen-

dant university known for its diversity, we will

strengthen programs for student recruitment so

we attract the most gifted students and those

with the greatest need.

4.Student Experience

Seattle University is more than an institution of

higher education. The overall student experience

at SU goes beyond the classroom. But there is

more to do to assess and address the needs of our

students to ensure their experiences are enriching

and integrated within a Jesuit education. Addi-

tionally, we will deepen the Catholic character

of our educational experience through curricular

and co-curricular activities.



CAPITAL CAMPAIGNIn June, Seattle University concluded its six-year capital campaign,

For the Difference We Make, with great success, raising $169 million for

scholarships, academic enhancements, professorships and facilities.

A YEAR of DISTINCTION

New faculty and facilities. High retention rates and national rankings. Engaging

programs and professorships. These are but a few of the many milestones, initiatives

and outcomes of a period of transformation for Seattle University during “A Decade

for Distinction.” As we embark on a new era for the university, here are highlights

of the past academic year.


2008 OPUS PRIZEIn fall 2008, Seattle University hosted the Opus Prize, one of the

world’s largest faith-based humanitarian awards, which went to

Marguerite Barankitse (Maison Shalom) of Burundi.

TRUMAN SCHOLARSWith the selection of Aerica Banks as the 2009 Truman Scholar,

Seattle University has produced 13 winners of the prestigious public

service-oriented scholarship.


COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTWhen it comes to living the mission through service, our students and

campus community prove themselves in action. Three out of four SU

students serve the community. And for the second consecutive year, we have

made the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

ACADEMIC RIGORSeattle University attracts and retains the best and brightest students.

For the ninth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report recognized

Seattle University among the Top 10 best universities in the West.


LIBRARY AND LEARNING COMMONSThis year we broke ground on the $56.5 million Lemieux Library

and McGoldrick Learning Commons, which will serve as SU’s

“intellectual community square” when it opens in fall 2010.

ATHLETICSIn our first full year in Division I play, student-athletes continue

to impress with their work in competition, in the classroom and

in the community.


PreSidentStephen Sundborg, S.J.

eXeCUtiVe ViCe PreSidenttimothy Leary

ProVoStisiaah Crawford

ViCe PreSident, MiSSion and MiniStryPeter ely, S.J.

ViCe PreSident, StUdent deVeLoPMentJacob diaz

ViCe PreSident, UniVerSity adVanCeMentMary Kay McFadden

ViCe PreSident, FinanCe and BUSineSS aFFairSronald Smith

ViCe PreSident and UniVerSity CoUnSeLMary Petersen

ViCe PreSident, PLanning; ViCe ProVoStrobert dullea

aSSoCiate ProVoSt, aCadeMiC aFFairSCharles Lawrence

aSSoCiate ProVoSt, aCadeMiC aFFairSJacquelyn Miller

aSSoCiate ProVoSt, enroLLMent ManageMenttBd

dean, aLBerS SChooL oF BUSineSS and eConoMiCSJoseph Phillips

dean, CoLLege oF artS and SCienCeSdavid Powers

dean, CoLLege oF edUCationSue Schmitt

dean, CoLLege oF nUrSingazita emami

dean, CoLLege oF SCienCe and engineeringMichael Quinn

dean, Matteo riCCi CoLLegeMichael andrews

dean, SChooL oF Lawannette Clark (interim)

dean, SChooL oF theoLogy and MiniStryMark Markuly

UniVerSity LiBrarianJohn Popko

Administration

Seattle University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orienta-tion, gender identity, political ideology or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in the administration of any of its education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered policies and programs, or in its employ-ment related policies and practices. all university policies, practices and procedures are administered in a manner consistent with Seattle University’s Catholic and Jesuit identity and character. inquiries relating to these policies may be referred to the university’s assistant Vice President for human resources and equal opportunity officer at (206) 296-5870.

Consistent with the requirements of title iX of the education amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, Seattle University has designated three individuals responsible for coordinating the university’s title iX compliance. Students or employees with concerns or com-plaints about discrimination on the basis of sex in employment or an education program or activity may contact any one of the following title iX coordinators: gerald huffman, assistant Vice President for human resources, equal opportunity officer, University Services Building 107, (206) 296-5870, [email protected]; dr. Michele Murray, associate Vice President of Student development, Student Center 140B, (206) 296-6066, [email protected]; dr. Jacquelyn Miller associate Provost for academic affairs, administration 104, (206) 296-5446, [email protected]. individuals may also contact the office for Civil rights of the U.S. department of education.

ChairPhyllis Campbell

ViCe ChairMaureen Lee

eX oFFiCio/ SU PreSidentStephen Sundborg, S.J.

Board MeMBerSMichael Bayard, S.J.

Scott Coble, S.J.

theodore Collins

Marta dalla gasperina

thomas ellison

anne Farrell

Patrice Fersch

hon. donald horowitz

Patrick howell, S.J.

Kent Johnson

Patrick Kelly, S.J.

Michael McCarthy, S.J.

gordon Mchenry, Jr.

John Meisenbach

Carol nelson

Stephen Privett, S.J.

robert ratliffe

rick redman

Stuart rolfe

Peter rose

david Sabey

Mick Schreck

James Sinegal

Betty woods

eMeritirhoady Lee, Jr.

ann wyckoff

Board of Trustees

[ as of december 2009 ]


“A fine university can rightfully celebrate a moment when a history

of achievement combines with thoughtful planning and financial

capacity to create extraordinary opportunities. A bright light

illuminating amazing possibilities.” —The Seattle Tımes

OffICE Of THE PRESIDENT

901 12th Avenue, P.O. Box 222000, Seattle, WA 98122-1050, (206) 296-6000

2010 president's report

Documents

new era of education

jesuit catholic university

best education

new mission statement

promising new era

presidenta new era

graduate students

global education