Arts / Faith and Humanities / Campus Community

Chapter of the Year

Written by Mike Thee

May 25, 2016

students soak in the sun on the benches of St. Ignatius chapel and the Reflecting Pool

National Jesuit honor society recognizes SU for its excellent programming and more

Alpha Sigma Nu (ASN), the Jesuit honor society, has recognized Seattle University as the 2016 Chapter of the Year. One of 35 chapters in the U.S. and abroad, SU is the third institution to receive such recognition. 

In announcing the recognition, Alpha Sigma Nu wrote: "Congratulations to Seattle University President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., Interim Faculty Adviser Dan Smith, PhD, Faculty Adviser (on sabbatical) Paul Fontana, PhD, and Chapter officers Sara Beery, Alyssa Garcia, Nataya Rakpanitmanee and Cecilia Johnson on receiving the third annual Chapter of the Year Award. ASN salutes former Chapter presidents Jenna Davison, Rima Kaboul, Elena Coe, and their E-boards for their leadership in building the great programming tradition now at work at SU." 

ASN specifically recognized the following elements of the SU chapter's programming: 

  • SU Experience Dinner - Dinner with university upper administration and student leaders to allow students a chance to describe their college experience and suggest improvements
  • Ice cream social - Meet and greet for new and prospective members
  • Service project sponsoring a family at Christmas
  • Relay for Life team
  • Dinners with Jesuits at Arrupe House
  • Special lunch with VP of Mission and Ministry for ASN  e-Board
  • Networking reception with Seattle area ASN alumni
  • Weekly meetings of the ASN e-Board
  • Frequent social gatherings for members 

"The Seattle Chapter has consistently impressed (ASN's) Board with its diversity of programming, connection to the Jesuits and university administration, group camaraderie and signature innovative programs that engage not only the campus community but also the wider Seattle area alumni." 

"Receiving the Chapter of the Year wouldn't be possible without the dedication, attention to detail and hard work by the student officers," wrote Smith. "They each took responsibility and did their part. It is a student-run club in the truest sense of the word. I'm glad they got recognition." 

Learn more about Alpha Sigma Nu here.