2013 Community Service Award

Rick Friedhoff, ‘67

Rick Friedhoff graduated from the Albers School of Business and Economics in 1967. Friedhoff returned to Seattle University 17 years ago to complete his MAPS degree, but after a year he felt drawn to a different path. He left the MAPS program and his successful law practice to become executive director of Compass Housing Alliance, which provides much-needed food, shelter and support for the homeless community of Seattle. During his tenure, Friedhoff increased the number of facilities serving the homeless under the Compass Housing Alliance umbrella.

According to the organization, “Under Friedhoff’s leadership, the 100-year-old building at 77 South Washington became the foundation on which Compass ushered in a new era of growth and a fresh approach to battling homelessness in King County. Thanks to his vision, Compass Housing Alliance now serves a broad spectrum of individuals and families struggling with homelessness and poverty, offering a range of services from meeting basic, immediate needs to attaining permanent stability.” After 16 years as the executive director, Friedhoff recently retired. He embodies the Jesuit commitment to providing for those less fortunate, and for this reason we are happy to honor him.