She's Got Spirit

Tammy Herdener says Julia Spuck’s presence in a room is felt well before it’s seen.

Herdener, senior vice provost for Academic and Student Affairs, says Spuck’s peers say she has a “bright, positive and infectious presence” that allows her to open conversations and lift energy. So when Spuck was awarded Seattle University’s 2026 Spirit Award, it wasn’t a surprise. The award goes to a student who shows exceptional enthusiasm and unwavering support for initiatives that strengthen campus traditions and ignite school spirit.

“Julia brings qualities that cannot be taught, like genuine and authentically enthusiastic passion for the work, the mission, her peers and Seattle University,” Herdener says. “She is deeply committed to creating safe spaces where students can talk about sensitive topics while knowing they will be met with care.”

In this Q&A Spuck, ’28, who serves as a peer health educator in SU’s Wellness and Health Promotion, shares why she picked Seattle University, advice to incoming students and what it means to be an award-winning student.

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Name: Julia Spuck
Graduation Year: 2028
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
Hometown: Portland, OR

What made you decide to attend Seattle University?
My dream was to always move to a college embedded in a city. During my first visit to campus, the vibrancy of Seattle University and the Capitol Hill community made me feel at home.

What have you liked best about Seattle University?
I have loved how SU is such a small school, you are free to try so many different things and getting involved in the campus community doesn’t feel overwhelming.

What would be your advice to incoming students?
Focus on being yourself. Good people, who inspire you to be a better person, will naturally come into your life.

What are your hobbies or what do you do for fun?
I love to hike, rock climb, cook, bake and weight lift.

Have you had any professors who have been particularly impactful to you?
The professors who have been particularly impactful to me are Dr. Ann McNally, Dr. Stephen Luckey and Dr. Nicholas Tamarkin. All three of these professors show genuine care for their students and foster an academic environment that pushes their students to succeed.

What did you do over the summer?
I conducted research on the effects circadian misalignment has on the cortisol—testosterone ratio of college students.

What are your career ambitions?
My career ambitions are to treat endocrine imbalances in women and support them through regulating their hormones from both a medical and holistic perspective.

How did you feel about winning a Spirit Award?
I feel extremely honored and grateful to accept this award, which reflects the support from my mentors, professors and peers. I express my deep gratitude to the Seattle University community and my role at the Wellness and Health Promotion for encouraging me to grow and learn.