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2025 Donor Impact Report

Learn How Your Support is Powering Seattle University’s Future

President Peñalver standing in front of the Sinegal building

A Message of Gratitude from President Peñalver

I am pleased to share Seattle University’s Donor Impact Report for the 2025 fiscal year.
 
Because of your generosity, more than 7,000 students had access to a transformative Seattle University education this year. Anchored by our Jesuit and Catholic tradition, our curriculum challenges students academically while preparing them to become leaders who advance justice and humanity in a complex world.
 
At a time when higher education faces significant challenges, your generosity ensures that Seattle University can continue to provide a rigorous and deeply values-driven education. Whether through gifts to the Seattle University Fund, scholarships, endowed funds, estate commitments, or participation in another record-breaking 2025 SU Gives, your giving directly shapes the student experience and fuels our mission.
 
With your support, we are also investing in an even stronger future. This includes the recent establishment of Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University, ensuring that the arts and arts education expand opportunities for our students by pairing creativity and innovation with a mission-driven education and preparing students to lead with imagination and purpose in the years ahead. 
 
On behalf of the entire Seattle University community, thank you for your continued support of our work, our mission, and our students. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the years to come.

Warm regards,

Eduardo Peñalver

Eduardo Peñalver
President

FY2025 Highlights The Year At a Glance

4,467

Unique Donors

4,223 Individual Donors
244 Organizations

9,969

Unique Gifts

9,215 Individual Donors
754 Organizations

$53M

Total Raised

$39.6M Individual Donors
$13.6M Organizations

Your Gifts in Action

Your generosity is transforming lives and shaping Seattle University’s future. Nearly 10,000 gifts in the 2025 fiscal year fueled our growth, advanced our mission, and strengthened our commitment to students, faculty, staff and alumni.

See all Impact Stories
Arnold couple signing endowment

From Cleats to the Classroom

Arnold family honors soccer roots and engineering education with a $1 million endowed scholarship to support SU men’s soccer.

More Impact Stories

Your Giving

Your contributions empower Seattle University to equip students with the leadership skills the world needs. Through a challenging curriculum, faculty research, and a commitment to inclusive excellence, your support enriches the student experience inside and outside the classroom.

students listening to a lecture in a classroom

Core Academic Mission

Under Provost Shane Martin’s leadership, Seattle University's core academic mission drives excellence across our colleges, schools, centers, and programs. Donor gifts provide vital resources that advance the university's strategic priorities and empower students to reach their full potential through an inclusive, holistic education rooted in Jesuit values.

$31M+

$31,250,514.26

Total Raised

aerial of people forming the SU logo on a grass field

Seattle University Fund

The Seattle University Fund offers the flexibility to allocate resources where they are needed most. Donors to this fund play a crucial role in upholding SU's standard of excellence while addressing the immediate and evolving needs of our students, faculty and staff.

  • $1M+ raised
  • 37% of funds supported scholarships
1,159

SU Fund Donors

two students with a laptop in front of the library

Scholarships

Scholarships enhance accessibility for first-generation and diverse students while reducing graduates' debt. Generous financial aid packages, including donor-supported scholarships, help Seattle University attract talented students dedicated to making a difference in their professions and communities.

  • 808 donors
  • 163 funds supported with gifts
$10M+

Raised for Scholarships

group shot of alumni founded event

Alumni Giving

Alumni giving is vital to Seattle University's success. By funding scholarships, programs, and initiatives, alumni ensure excellence and create lasting impact for current and future students. Their generosity demonstrates a deep commitment to the university’s values and community.

  • 1,794 Alumni Donors
  • 4,035 Alumni Gifts
$21M+

Given by Alumni

two people tabling with red pom-poms
Click to play the video
Watch this year's SU Gives thank you video.

Seattle U Gives

Seattle U Gives is Seattle University's annual online day of giving, and this year, we set a new record for the most funds raised. The remarkable generosity of our Redhawk community supports our programs, enhances student opportunities, and advances excellence at Seattle University.

  • 2,465 donors
  • $30K raised for the annual scholarship fund
$1M+

Total Raised

2nd year in a row $1M+ raised

iconic SU Administration building on a sunny day

Recognition Societies

Seattle University's recognition societies honor donors whose generosity strengthens our mission and shapes our future. Their support funds scholarships, enhances academics, and drives innovation, enabling a transformative education for future leaders. By joining, donors play a vital role in Seattle University’s continued success.

  • $17.8M+ given by President’s Club members
  • 176 Sustaining Supporters contributed $257K+
  • Legacy Society gift commitments totaled $17.9M+

Take the Next Steps

Please consider these opportunities to expand your engagement with Seattle University.

groups of people in the plaza of the Sinegal buildingThe President’s Club

The President’s Club honors donors who give $1,000 or more, $5,000 or more as part of the Leadership Circle, or $500 or more for graduates of the last decade. Members enjoy invitations to exclusive events, the distinction of the Loyola family crest, and other special benefits. Visit our President’s Club webpage or contact Jevetta Trapp at presidentsclub@seattleu.edu to learn more.

birds eye view of students at a deskSeattle University Fund

The Seattle University Fund (SU Fund) helps make whichever aspect of the university you love most possible. This versatile fund maintains SU’s standards of excellence, supporting scholarships, student services and academic innovation. Contact annualgiving@seattleu.edu to learn more about the impact of giving and to make a gift today.

students holding thank you signsSeattle U Gives

SU Gives is Seattle University’s online day of giving and a celebration of our community's generosity and impact. For 24 hours, alumni, students, parents, friends, staff and faculty come together to invest in what matters most to them at SU. Learn more by visiting the SU Gives website or reach out to Aradia Webb at webba1@seattleu.edu.

campus library and plaza on a sunny dayEndowments

Join hundreds of donors in creating a lasting legacy to support students, academics, or operations. Seattle University can help align your endowment with your philanthropic goals. Gifts of cash, securities, bequests, or other donations may be fulfilled over five years. Contact Greg Ross at rossgr@seattleu.edu.

students walking on the lower mall with the school seal in the foregroundGift Planning

Many loyal alumni and friends choose to make a gift through a will or beneficiary designation. Having a gift plan that fits with your overall financial goals can be a generous and tax-savvy way to provide for yourself and your family, while leaving a legacy with lasting impact at SU. Learn more by visiting the Gift Planning website or by contacting Valerie Norwood at vnorwood@seattleu.edu.

two alum posing with hawk hands in a gardenAlumni Engagement

Looking for ways to stay connected with SU? The Seattle University Alumni Association (SUAA) works to foster lifetime relationships by providing opportunities for professional growth, learning, engaging, and serving the community alongside past, present, and future Redhawks. Learn more about how you can stay connected by visiting the SUAA website or contact Nicole Parker Donaldson at parkernicole@seattlu.edu.

Thank you for helping make Seattle University’s mission possible.

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Contact Us

Greg Ross

Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship