Kristen Eddings Tetteh ’06 (right) interviews Jeff Hussey ’83 at SPU’s 125th Anniversary Gala.
First Grand Reunion held — biggest alumni gathering in SPU history
The first Grand Reunion held October 7–9 welcomed alumni who traveled from as far away as Brazil to join the biggest alumni gathering in Seattle Pacific University’s 125-year history. A concert featuring Crowder, Tedashii, and Evan Egerer ’10 had the crowd singing, dancing, and praising God in Royal Brougham Pavilion. Other special events included the Taste of SPU all-community dinner and department reunions.
SPU story pole rededicated
A Tlingit story pole symbolically representing the history and purpose of Seattle Pacific University was rededicated on October 8. Tlingit tribal representative Tom Dalton ’85 shared stories of his life and the Tlingit people and sang traditional songs during the ceremony at the pole behind Alexander Hall on campus. The 25-foot cedar pole, commissioned by SPU’s Class of 1971, was designed and carved by Tlingit tribal member Abner Johnson in the early 1970s.
125 Ones to Watch: Graduates of the Last Decade honored at Grand Reunion
In celebration of SPU’s 125th anniversary, the University recognized 125 Ones to Watch, a group of notable GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) alumni. These individuals demonstrate remarkable leadership and success in their professions, ranging from founding their own businesses to working in the arts, to ministry. They were honored at Grand Reunion and in the Autumn 2016 issue of Response magazine.
Camille Jones named Washington state teacher of the year
Camille Jones ’08 was honored as Washington state Teacher of the Year for 2017. Jones serves as the schoolwide STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) enrichment and highly capable teacher at Pioneer Elementary in Quincy, Washington. As teacher of the year, she traveled throughout the state speaking to schools, teacher groups, and teacher-preparation programs about her work.
Alumnus of the Year: Jeff Hussey ’83
Alumnus Jeff Hussey received the 2017 Seattle Pacific University Alumnus of the Year award during Homecoming and Parents Weekend. Hussey graduated in 1983 from SPU. He is known for his innovative work in cybersecurity, anti-hacking software, and philanthropic efforts in Central America. Additionally, Hussey founded two tech start-ups, F5 Networks and Tempered Networks. He also co-owns PuraVida Coffee, which invests in ensuring global communities have access to clean water, education, and health.
GOLD Alumnus of the Year: Jerrell Davis
Jerrell G. Davis, a Servant Leader Educator with WA-BLOC, was recognized at Homecoming and Parents Weekend for his work as community activist, educator, artist, and coach. Dedicated to Seattle’s youth, he has coached at more than two dozen elementary schools, marched on City Hall in support of better student transportation, advised a town hall on transit justice, and worked in a Guatemalan hospital for patients with special needs.