President's Updates

This year, our nation’s Thanksgiving holiday comes to us at a time of polarization and division, violence and destruction . . . As a Jesuit university, we find consolation in the example of St. Ignatius of Loyola, whose prayer – the Examen – encourages us to search our daily experiences.

Over the past few weeks, our university community has been shaken by the terrible and tragic events unfolding thousands of miles away in Israel and Palestine.

Today, as we celebrate and honor the living traditions and rich cultures of indigenous peoples, we also remember the unspeakable injustices perpetrated against them.

At Seattle University we denounce the Nicaraguan government’s seizure this week of our sister Jesuit university, the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) in Managua, Nicaragua and add our voices to the international condemnation of this unjust act that violates fundamental human rights.

The wildfires in Hawaii these past few days are hitting home in a particular way for our university as so many members of the SU family reside throughout the islands. Our hearts go out to the students, alumni and friends whose lives have been impacted by the devastation.

Because our commitment to diversity is intrinsic to our mission, it is also ultimately rooted in our Jesuit, Catholic character. This understanding takes on added significance in light of today’s disappointing U.S. Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action.