2015 Ivy Cutting Address: Margaret Brown

Our class of 2015 receives words of encouragement from Associate Professor of Psychology, Dr. Margaret Brown. In her moving address, she emphasized that no matter where you’re from or where you are going Seattle Pacific University will always be home. It doesn’t matter if you’ve spent years here or days, the community that the students shared here is a special thing. Dr. Brown reminds us that this is a place where we’ve all shared life, loss, love, and grown deeply together; and because of that the light will always be left on. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2015!

To watch to Dr. Brown’s address, click here.

Making Moz: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know (And Some Stuff You Probably Didn’t)

Meet Sarah Bird! Sarah is the CEO of the fast-growing company MOZ. She’s an energetic, “TAGFEE” loving businesswoman who knows her way around the in’s and out’s of the fast paced digital workplace. Join her as she tells the story of MOZ, an eleven-years-young search engine optimizing, social media, and link-building conglomerate. Sarah gives us her personal inside story on what it means to be prosperous in the digital business world in the School of Business, Government, and Economics’ Dean’s Speaker Series.

Watch’s Sarah’s lecture here.

Gather: What Does it Mean to ben An Asian-American Christian?

Dr. Jonathan Tran (Professor of Theology and Ethics at Baylor University) explores it means to be an Asian-American Christian at this Gather service. Dr. Tran talks about what faith looks like as a part of a cultural collective experience and how this enriches the life of the Church. He engages the Asian American Christian experience, as well as provides insight into how we can participate in the ministry of racial justice and reconciliation.

Watch Dr. Tran’s talk here.

George Scranton’s Last Lecture

Seattle Pacific University’s beloved Professor of Theatre, George Scranton, delivers his “Last Lecture”. Before retiring this year, Professor Scranton has honored SPU with over four decades of dedicated teaching, and has over 100 directing credits under his name. In his “Last Lecture”, Scranton reflects on the intersection of comedy, theatre, life, food, and grace.

The concept of a “Last Lecture” is based on a 2007 lecture and 2008 book by Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer science professor whose battle with pancreatic cancer inspired him to write and deliver a lecture on what would really matter if it was really the last lecture he ever gave. In subsequent Last Lectures, professors reflect on what matters most and what wisdom they would hope to share with others. Ivy Honorary is SPU’s chapter of the National Mortar Board Honor Society.

Watch George Scranton’s Last Lecture here.

2015 Walls Lecture: “I knew when Written on My Heart: Experience and Knowledge of God”–Dr. Doug Koskela

Dr. Doug Koskela, published author, associate professor of theology, and associate dean of undergraduate studies in the School of Theology here at Seattle Pacific University, is the keynote speaker at this year’s Paul T. Walls Lecture in Wesleyan Theology. His lecture, “I Knew When Written on My Heart: Experience and the Knowledge of God” explores John Wesley’s understanding of the Christian faith and what it means to be a Christian through spiritual perception. Throughout his lecture, Dr. Koskela explores how John Wesley’s theology may have a place in modern Christianity and within our churches as they are today. Dr. Rob McKenna, the chair and associate professor of the Department of Industrial – Organizational psychology at SPU, was the respondent.

Click here to watch the 2015 Paul T. Walls Lecture in Wesleyan Theology.

Life on the Streets: Homeless Youth in Seattle

Homelessness affects nearly 3.5 million Americans each year and 34% of the entire homeless population is under the age of 24. Homeless youth are often a forgotten part of our communities and service populations. Not only does homelessness affect a person’s physical surroundings, but it also has psychological, emotional, and spiritual effects.

This winter quarter, SPU was proud to host Tent City 3, an encampment area that provides free housing, food, and job and travel opportunities. Mary Steele, the executive director at New Horizons Ministries, a Christian organization that partners with youth to exit street life, and Dr. Joshua Aaron Ginzer, a psychologist, shared with us stories about the true effects of homelessness as well as a window into the lives of homeless young people in our city.

Watch their talk here.

The 10th Annual John M. Perkins Lecture

Dr. John M. Perkins graces our Seattle Pacific University community for the 10th year with his annual lecture at First Free Methodist Church. Dr. Perkins is an author of several books, an SPU visiting professor, founder of several Christian institutions including Voice of Calvary Bible Institute of Mississippi, Christian Community Development Association, and the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation. Dr. Perkins was a leading voice in the civil rights demonstrations of the 1960s, having experienced firsthand the atrocities racism including police brutality and prison torture. His 10th annual SPU lecture, entitled “Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With Your God”, touches on Biblical and racial justice and reconciliation, as well as the spreading the Gospel to the world. It is truly an honor to have Dr. John Perkins be present within our SPU community.

Click here to watch his lecture.

2014-2015 Opening Communion and the State of the University

It’s a new academic year and here at Seattle Pacific, we begin every year by gathering together around the Lord’s table at the Opening Communion. This year, University Chaplain Dr. Bo Lim leads the service. His homily focuses on Psalm 126. So often in life we will, as the Psalmist puts it, sow in tears—like we did as a community after the shooting on our campus on June 5, 2014, or after the sudden passing of beloved staff member Jennifer Gilnett over the summer. But as Christians we also believe that we will reap with cries of joy. “Those who go forth weeping, / carrying sacks of seed, / Will return with cries of joy, / carrying their bundled sheaves.” (Psalm 126:6 NAB)

Immediately following Opening Communion, we observe another storied tradition: the State of the University Address. President Daniel J. Martin reflects on SPU’s past—including the tragic events of June 5—and sets out a plan for the future, centered around the theme of dance. President Martin reminds us that Paul Lee loved to dance.

And in case you’re interested in listening to Dr. Frank Spina’s Lectio series on the Psalms that President Martin turned to when he was preparing his reflections on June 5, you can find those here.

Justin Lee and Ron Belgau: Let’s Talk About [Homo]sexuality

Our culture tells us that gays and Christians are enemies. So how can we as Christians have loving dialogue on the issue of homosexuality that changes hearts and minds for Christ? Ron and Justin use stories, humor, personal experience, and the Bible to discuss how they can be friends in the midst of strong theological disagreement, and how we as Christians can better show love to the gay community without compromising our convictions. Ron and Justin’s discussion touches on issues like common misconceptions each side has about the other; being missionaries with our language and avoiding the buzzwords that shut down conversation; understanding the difference between behavior and attraction; why dialogue is more effective than debate; and what Paul’s experience in Athens can teach us about representing Christ in the midst of disagreement.

Click here to watch their panel discussion and the following community question and answer session.

 

Sonny Vu: Business as a Calling Day 2013

Seattle Pacific University’s School of Business and Economics and the Center for Integrity In Business welcomed Sonny Vu as the keynote speaker at this year’s “Business as a Calling” Day. Sonny is the founder, chair, and CEO of Misfit Wearables, makers of the Shine, an elegant activity monitor that can be worn anywhere and for any occasion. Sonny is also the founder, and former chair and CEO of AgaMatrix, a leading innovator in advanced diabetes technology. Sonny shared his experiences founding and leading two successful tech startups as well as why his faith plays such an important part in his life—both personally but also professionally. Watch his address here.