Alumni Blog

“The sense of community, that we can all relate to, that Seattle University provided to us,” said Brandi Yamauchi, ’12, Marketing Customer Contacts for Hawaiian Airlines, is one of the biggest reasons that she chose to attend Seattle U and the reason that she continues to stay engaged despite living 3,000 miles away in Hawai’i.

Like many current students and alumni, Brandi was first introduced to Seattle University through a family member. After flying from Hawai’i to tour campus for the first time, she fell in love. “There was a charm about it. It was organized and I could feel the small tight knit community on campus; I even liked the size of the dorms,” said Yamauchi. Despite her immediate love for campus, Brandi had a hard time transitioning into college life and being so far away from her island home. “The first few months were tough. I had to adjust to classroom life, rebuild my support network and adapt to the weather,” said Yamauchi. Yet, despite all the change and the challenge, Brandi was able to find her footing and a support network in Hui O Nani Hawai’i, a club on campus whose mission is to educate the community on the cultural heritage of Hawai’i.

“Seattle U helped build my professional network, got me into my career and highlighted the importance of being fearless when defining who I am and where I want to go,” said Yamauchi. The educational experience and network that Brandi got and developed while at SU was something that she wants to continue to build in Hawai’i for her local community. “Providing educational access to others is really important. I was the first person in my family that went to and finished college. Places like SU made it possible for me to go with scholarships and support. I am already talking to my younger cousins about college,” she said.

Brandi and a group of SU Hawai’i Chapter alumni are stepping up for their ‘ohana by providing opportunities to connect and build community for alumni and their families on island. Come and learn more about the chapter and get updates about Seattle University and how to get involved by attending the Uncommon Impact: Hawaii reception hosted by the Seattle University Alumni Association and the SU Hawaii Chapter on December 15 at the Navy-Marine Golf Course.

• REGISTER FOR UNCOMMON IMPACT: HAWAII

Born out of the civil rights movement in the 60s, the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), then known as the Office of Minority Affairs has changed and adapted to the times. When it first opened its doors in 1969, support services were tailored specifically to African American students. But today, OMA is home to programming that highlights identity and intercultural issues and several organizations and services that support marginalized groups on campus. “OMA is a place where all students can explore who they are in all of their identities. It’s a place where all of our students, but especially our students of minoritized identities can find respite—a place where they don’t have to code switch or perform their identities, but come and be seen for who they are. It’s a place for folks to find connection, resources and support,” said Michelle Kim, director of the office of multicultural affairs.

The 50th anniversary of OMA celebration, titled Legacy of Connections and Tradition of Action allows the SU community to reflect on the values of education, connection and advocacy has influenced students and the campus as a whole. “This theme of connection and action speaks to what we are about. It honors the fact that without our students advocating and pushing for change, we would not be sitting here 50 years later,” said Kim.

OMA will be hosting a 50th anniversary alumni reception before its annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The event will feature alumni and current student speakers as they reflect on the influence OMA had on their Seattle University experience. “I believe that OMA’s responsibility is to serve as a role model for our campus. It’s our responsibility to build bridges and create connections,” says Kim.

Find out more about the OMA 50th Anniversary and register here.