News

What’s happening at SPU? This is where you’ll find the latest news about research, events, activities, achievements, and milestones in the life of SPU and its .



  • Nov 19, 2024

    An illustration by adjunct art professor Abigail Platter is on the cover of the 2024 November/December issue of  The issue highlights themes of life’s hardship and the wonder of the incarnation.

  • Nov 15, 2024

    A new convenience store powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology is now open at , one of the first universities in the Pacific Northwest to offer this option to students.

    SPU’s automated C-Store concept is a partnership with Sodexo, the food service provider for the university. The store, called “Falcon Express,” is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and gives students early morning and late-night options for food and beverages. Customers can swipe their university ID card or a credit card to gain entrance. Cameras monitor the purchases and customers can exit with no checkout required.

  • Join the SPU Music Department and choirs in celebrating the beginning of the Advent and Christmas season with a concert on Monday, Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m. in First Free Methodist Church.

    Nov 14, 2024

    Join the SPU Music Department and choirs in celebrating the beginning of the Advent and Christmas season with a concert on Monday, Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m. in First Free Methodist Church. Choirs will perform familiar carols in which all can join in singing.

  • Nov 13, 2024

    The women’s soccer team is set to host the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Tournament this weekend in at Interbay Soccer Stadium. The Falcons play Simon Fraser on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. with a chance to advance to the championship match on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m.

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  • The Office of Intercultural Programs is hosting a series of events to celebrate International Education Week, Nov. 18-22.

    Nov 13, 2024

    International Education Week is November 18–22 and the Office of Intercultural Programs (OIP) will host a series of events throughout the week. International Education Week is celebrated and hosted by university campuses across the nation and the goal is to highlight the global initiatives present in day-to-day campus life. It includes international students, study abroad participants, and faculty and staff from around the world.

    Here is a snapshot preview of what is planned:

  • Music Professor Dainius Vaičekonis hosts a multi-media piano recital fon Nov. 14 featuring the music of legendary American pianist and composer Leopold Godowsky.

    Nov 13, 2024

    Associate Professor of Music Dainius Vaičekonis cordially invites you to take a journey around the world with legendary American pianist, composer, and pedagogue Leopold Godowsky during a speical multi-media piano recital on Thursday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. in Nickerson Studios.

  • Nov 6, 2024

    A new research study by SPU professors and biology students identifying salmon mislabeling was featured on local NBC-affiliate KING-TV on November 6, 2024. The news story was titled, "."

  • Thinking about seminary? Sign up for a this special event with Pacific Seminary, Nov. 11-12.

    Oct 31, 2024

    If you’ve ever wondered whether seminary was for you, Pacific Seminary invites you to explore your calling and vocation at Discernment Days. This year, we're hosting a two-day event on November 11 (in-person) and November 12 (online). Prospective students will have the opportunity to visit classes, meet with current students, faculty, and administrators, and tour the campus. This event is free, and food is included for the in-person event! 

    Learn more.

  • Oct 31, 2024

    , will feature a leading researcher on suicide to help you become better equipped to walk alongside those who are struggling. Dr. Keyne Law, an SPU clinical psychology professor and researcher, will help participants create a safety plan and offer practical tools to implement. Hosted by the Faith Formation Project. 

  • After almost 70 years of ownership and more than two decades of evaluating its best use, SPU is selling its Camp Casey Conference Center and Fort Casey Inn to the YMCA of Snohomish County.

    Oct 28, 2024

    After almost 70 years of ownership and more than two decades of evaluating its best use, is selling its and the adjacent on Whidbey Island to the . The YMCA will take over operations of the 75-acre waterfront property near Fort Casey State Park outside of Coupeville beginning January 1, 2025.

Holistic Health Care in the Rainier Valley

Dr. Christopher Jones ’94 hopes the families in his medical practice never need to ask: “Is my kid sick enough that I should pay for a doctor’s visit?” Medical director of HopeCentral, a nonprofit health center, he and his team have adapted the concept of concierge medicine to a diverse neighborhood.

Assistant Professor of Philosophy Leland Saunders

What Makes Us Moral?

Assistant Professor of Philosophy Leland Saunders earned a $10,100 Graves Award in Humanities for his research project, “The Structure of Moral Judgement: Philosophical Perspectives.” His research responds to recent arguments that human beings’ concepts of morality are just a quirk of evolution and don't connect to anything deeper.