Alumni Blog

What first brought me to Seattle was its essence of possibility. Having spent almost my entire life in Boise, Idaho, I was ready for a new experience and perspective. When I visited Seattle U, I knew it was the place for me. It was a cozy oasis in the middle of a bustling and exciting city. I felt at home. That magical feeling I felt as an SU student still stays with me to this day.

I majored in Cultural Anthropology and the course of study, skills and worldview my professors instilled in me have greatly influenced how I would like to contribute to the world. I am currently pursuing this goal by integrating employee engagement initiatives and professional development support at my current workplace with the hopes that I can help provide an empathetic and empowering professional environment for all.

Recent world events have prompted me to reflect. Hopefully enough that would even make St. Ignatius proud. The theme that keeps surfacing is the importance of connection. One of the many reasons I stay connected to SU is the immense pride I feel to be a graduate and a member of a community that is making incredible strides in innovation, justice and education. However, for the past six months, connection has felt more imperative than ever, while also more elusive. For this reason, I could not be more excited for SU’s Virtual Homecoming and the alumni reunions this year. During my time as a student, Homecoming week was one of my favorites because it evoked a sense of camaraderie and connection to the university community. Not to mention, it gave me a great excuse to wear all of the SU red I had in my closet!

Now, as a recent graduate, I am most looking forward to the graduates of the last decade (GOLD) reunion. I’m excited to catch up with friends and colleagues and connect with other alumni to hear about their stories and experiences. Having graduated only a little over two years ago, I am still struggling to “figure it all out,” but having the GOLD community to glean wisdom and learn from is inspiring and comforting. As this this year’s reunion will be virtual, it will also provide a unique opportunity for more alumni to be introduced to each other, with many being able to participate from all corners of the world. It will be the ultimate celebration!

I can’t wait to see everyone on Saturday, November 14 from 2-4 p.m. Go Redhawks!

• Register for the GOLD reunion

Due to the ongoing health risks associated with COVID-19, the Western Athletic Conference announced the suspension all fall championship and non-championship athletics competition through the end of the calendar year. 

The fall conference championship sports affected are men's and women's cross country, volleyball and men's and women's soccer. Contingent on the NCAA fall championships being moved to the spring and if feasible, the WAC will conduct the respective sports during the same time frame. 

The decision also affects the non-championship portion of the schedule for men's and women's tennis, men's and women's golf, baseball and softball with January 1, 2021 set as the earliest opportunity for competition in these sports. For the Redhawks, women's rowing will also follow the January 1 guideline. 

Men's and women's basketball and men's and women's swimming and diving competition will be postponed through the end of October pending WAC discussion on winter athletics competition.

Adapted practice and training opportunities, as well as other support services, will continue for all sports within the health and safety guidelines set forth by the state and university.

“It is very disappointing to have the fall season suspended,” said Bailey Hall, a junior on the women’s soccer team. “We had an amazing season last year and I know my teammates and I were excited to carry that energy into this season. However, my teammates and I have been taking this time to work even harder so when it's time to play, we will be ready to compete. I am staying positive and trying to focus on coming back to help my team win another WAC Championship when tournament time arrives.”

“With fall season being suspended, I personally have taken this as a positive opportunity to develop as a soccer player but also to value life a little more and grow as a person,” said Jesse Ortiz, a sophomore on the men’s soccer team. “It is definitely a very difficult time not just for my family but for the whole SU community. As much as I would have loved to play this fall, I strongly agree with our medical team and the WAC that it isn’t the best option for our safety and the safety of our peers. I’m really looking forward to getting back with the team and continue to develop as a soccer player while also finding ways to help out the community during these difficult times. I want to thank our alumni and people who support and love our school. I am really looking forward to representing Seattle U these upcoming seasons.”

While traditional competition schedules will not fill the calendar this fall, Seattle U Athletics will offer a variety of unique content to keep audiences connected and involved. Feature interview series with current student athletes and alumni, intra-team competitions, social media games and much more will be slated on GoSeattleU.com and the Redhawks’ social media channels in the coming months.