Talks and Events

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Presidential Speaker Series

President Eduardo Peñalver is launching the 2023-2024 Presidential Speaker Series focused on freedom of speech and campus discourse.

Past Talks & Events

Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration

President Peñalver reflects on Dr. King’s legacy and the work that lies ahead.

January 16, 2024

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Mass of the Holy Spirit: Bringing Joy to Our Work

Mass of the Holy Spirit: Bringing Joy to Our Work

President Peñalver offered a reflection at Seattle University’s annual Mass of the Holy Spirit, held Sept. 28, which marks the beginning of a new academic year.

September 28, 2023

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Welcome to the 2023-2024 Academic Year

Welcome to the 2023-2024 Academic Year
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President Eduardo Peñalver welcomes the extended Seattle University family to the new academic year, talks about what makes our institution so special and announces an exciting partnership.

September 22, 2023

New Student Convocation 2023

New Student Convocation 2023

President Peñalver welcomed new students at Seattle University’s Convocation on Sept. 18.

September 18, 2023

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Diversity at Seattle University

In remarks to the Class of 2023 during Baccalaureate Mass, President Peñalver reflects on how diversity and inclusion are expressed and lived in a special way at Seattle University.

June 12, 2023

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President's State of the University

President's State of the University
2023 State of the University

On April 28, President Eduardo Peñalver updated the SU community on the latest developments at the university and opportunities and challenges ahead.

May 5, 2023

Welcoming Rev. Dr. Bryan Massingale

President Eduardo Peñalver introduced Rev. Dr. Bryan Massingale, who visited SU on Feb. 9 to deliver the Catholic Heritage Lecture on the topic "A Spirituality of Racial Metanoia."

February 13, 2023

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Art as a (Weird) Commodity

President Peñalver shared remarks with the Seattle Art Museum’s Board of Trustees on Dec. 13.

December 14, 2022

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Critical Race Theory and Campus Discourse

Critical Race Theory and Campus Discourse

President Peñalver spoke at the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities' annual meeting on Nov. 2.

November 7, 2022

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Red Mass Reflection

Red Mass Reflection

The president delivered a reflection at the School of Law’s Red Mass, a traditional gathering to ask for blessings and guidance on all judicial proceedings and academic endeavors.

October 26, 2022

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Family Weekend Address: Where Innovation Meets Humanity

Family Weekend Address: Where Innovation Meets Humanity

President Eduardo Peñalver gave the keynote address during Seattle University's Family Weekend.

October 24, 2022

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President Talks about Speech on Campus at Rotary Club

President Talks about Speech on Campus at Rotary Club
President Peñalver speaks at Rotary Club

In a talk at the Rotary Club of Seattle on Oct. 5, President Peñalver spoke about freedom of expression on college campuses. (Introduction and remarks begin at the 24:00-minute mark.)

October 7, 2022

Mass of the Holy Spirit: A Reflection on Diversity

Mass of the Holy Spirit: A Reflection on Diversity

At a Mass to mark the beginning of Seattle University's academic year, President Peñalver reflected on the readings and how we can unlock the full potential of diversity.

September 29, 2022

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Welcome to the 2022–2023 Academic Year

Welcome to the 2022–2023 Academic Year
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With the fall academic term underway, President Eduardo Peñalver welcomes students, faculty and staff and speaks about SU’s special place in the higher education landscape.

September 22, 2022

Conflict and the Search for Truth

Conflict and the Search for Truth

President Peñalver delivered the homily at St. Joseph Parish in Seattle on Aug. 14.

August 15, 2022

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President Peñalver remarks on the late Justice John Paul Stevens

Remarks commemorating the late Justice John Paul Stevens
President Peñalver remarks on the late Justice John Paul Stevens

President Peñalver delivered remarks as the U.S. Supreme Court honored the memory of the late Justice John Paul Stevens on Monday, May 2, at a meeting of the Supreme Court's Bar.

May 2, 2022

The Judge Guido Calabresi Fellowship in Religion & Law

The Judge Guido Calabresi Fellowship in Religion & Law
"A Christian Approach to Systemic Racism" on May 1.

The president's talk at Yale - he is a 1999 graduate of the Yale Law School - is part of the Judge Guido Calabresi Fellowship in Religion & Law speaker series.

May 1, 2022

Mission Day Keynote

Mission day keynote

Since I first encountered it during my interview process, I have been intrigued by Seattle University’s vision – to be a university that is innovative and progressive and Jesuit and Catholic.

April 7, 2022

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What's the State of Free Expression on Campus?

What's the State of Free Expression on Campus?
What's the State of Free Expression on Campus?

Scholars and college leaders discuss speech, campus politics, and the crisis of the present.

January 27, 2022

"Restoring Public Trust in Higher Education"

UW Impact virtual event

The virtual event helped elucidate some of the most pressing concerns among the public regarding higher education.

January 11, 2022

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Family Weekend Keynote

Family Weekend Keynote

Thank you for being here today. It is wonderful to be here together in person, despite the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID pandemic.

October 23, 2021

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Fall Opening Town Hall

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At a Town Hall forum with faculty and staff on Sept. 20, President Peñalver and other university leaders discussed Seattle University’s preparations for fall quarter and the ongoing response to COVID-

September 27, 2021

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Welcome to an Academic Year Unlike Any Other

Fall 21 Welcome Video
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President Peñalver expresses excitement at joining the Seattle U community while emphasizing the university’s commitment to providing an excellent education and prioritizing health and safety.

September 22, 2021

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A Q&A with Eduardo Peñalver

A Q&A with Eduardo Peñalver
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Our new president, who began his tenure July 1, shares some thoughts as he settles into his role leading Seattle University into the future.

July 15, 2021

A Conversation with Eduardo Peñalver

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President Eduardo Peñalver and Father Steve

July 1, 2021