Alumni Blog

This Black History Month, we are excited to announce the relaunch of Seattle University’s African American Alumni Chapter (AAAC).

The newly reinvigorated chapter is hosting its first event, “The Black and Brown Panel: What It Means to Be a Person of Color in the Workplace,” on Tuesday, February 20. The panel will address issues important to Seattle U’s black and brown alumni and students and invites all who identify as black or brown to participate. You can learn more about the panel here.

Duron Jones, ’14, is the chapter’s new president and a graduate of the business administration program. He is the owner of the Innovation Tribe of America. Since his graduation in 2014, Duron has stayed active in the SU community as the director of the Summer Business Institute at Albers School of Business & Economics.

Of the African American Alumni Chapter, Duron said, “The AAAC is a community of Seattle University alumni who identify as African American and are passionate about engaging with their alma matter no matter where they live or their interests. We function under three guiding principles and goals, which are to foster and strengthen the community of Seattle University black/African American alumni across the world, engage and support the black/African American student population, faculty, and staff of Seattle University and to be of true service in the community surrounding our alma mater, Seattle University.”

When asked what hopes the chapter had for its continued growth and future, Duron responded that they are most excited for the chance to not only build a stronger community among  alumni, but to also build stronger connections with the Black Student Union and black/African American students on campus. It’s important to the chapter that they be able to support student success through mentorship, internships, scholarships and more. Duron went on to add, “We want the alumni community to know that we have an open door policy. We encourage alumni to reach out to us and share their thoughts because we truly want our African American alumni to feel like they've had the opportunity to help shape the chapter and gain the alumni experience they envision for themselves.”

The chapter invites those alumni who don’t identify as black or African American to reach out for partnership opportunities so that all alumni can work towards supporting the Seattle U community.  

If you are interested in getting involved with the AAAC, Duron invites you to engage with the chapter on SU Alumni Connect. “Reach out to us and let us know you want to get involved and we will help you find your fit,” Duron said.  You can also find the chapter on Facebook. The chapter is still looking to fill a few board positions.

Join the African American Alumni Chapter at their first event on February 20.

Black & Brown Panel: What It Means to Be a Person of Color in the Workplace
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
5:30–7:15 PM
Seattle University Student Center 160, LeRoux Room
Learn more and register.

The College of Science and Engineering is the most rapidly growing college or school at Seattle University, no doubt a reflection of Seattle’s booming science and technology sector. More than 100 full-time and part-time faculty members offer a relevant, hands-on approach to STEM education to more than 1,100 undergraduate majors and graduate students. Seattle University scientists, engineers and computer scientists are game changers, but what sets them apart?

AHEAD OF THE CURVE: STEM EDUCATION AT SEATTLE U

Seattle University College of Science and Engineering graduates enter the workforce prepared to lead interdisciplinary teams and manage complex projects, and thanks to their holistic liberal arts education, they are equally skilled communicators. While they focus on the technical aspects of a problem, they never lose sight of the broader implications of the solutions. They know how to approach tough problems and collaborate to get the best results.

It is what they study here—and how they study it—that makes our students and alumni stand out. A Seattle University education broadens our students’ horizons while encouraging deep dives into new knowledge and discovery. Here, they develop a sense of passion and purpose, and they emerge ready to impact the world for the greatest good.

SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING: WOMEN IN STEM AT SEATTLE U

Seattle U is leading the way and increasing the number of innovative, tech-literate women who are prepared to make a difference in today’s competitive workforce. At Seattle U, women majoring in the STEM disciplines thrive in a demanding environment. Seattle University is the only university in the country with women chairing all of the engineering and computer science departments. As female students interact with strong, successful women on the faculty, they get the clear message, “You have an equal place at Seattle U—and in the world of tech!” They leave SU prepared to take their place in the industry.

RESEARCH ROCK STARS: INVESTIGATING PROBLEMS ATTHE LEADING EDGE

Seattle University undergraduates have research opportunities their peers at larger universities only dream of. Working side-by-side with professors, these student researchers expand their knowledge while working to solve problems in science, engineering and computer science. All of them develop important transferable skills, confidence in their abilities and a passion for discovery that will serve them well in any career.

BY THE NUMBERS

93%
College of Science and Engineering (CSE) alumni have a 93% placement rate within 6 months of graduating. (U.S. Department of Education)

Top 15%
US News and World Report ranks Seattle U in the top 15% among all engineering programs offering Bachelor's or Master's degrees.

25%
CSE has received 25% of all awards ever given by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

43%
Of CSE students are women

17%
Of CSE students are under-represented minorities

42%
Full-time faculty in CSE are women

50%
Projected increase in total CSE enrollment by 2022

100%
Enrollment increase in Computer Science & Software Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering

COMPUTER SCIENCE: INDISPENSABLE FOR ANY DISCIPLINE

Record numbers of Seattle U students are enrolling in computer science courses, making the Department of Computer Science the fastest growing at the university. Because our students understand that every company is a tech company, many of them are double-majoring across disciplines. When the new Center for Science and Innovation (CSI) is complete, it will create new opportunities for every Seattle U student to take courses in programming, machine learning, analytics and design, making each student more marketable and prepared to tackle the challenges of the future.

Want to learn more about how Seattle University students and alumni are becoming leaders in STEM? Check out the College of Science and Engineering page and stay tuned for more information on the Center for Science and Innovation.