Alumni Blog

Christmas is a celebration of light in the midst of darkness.  As the Gospel of John puts it, Christ is “the light [that] shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

At Seattle University, the celebration of light has a special meaning.  We associate the light with knowledge and wisdom; a light that overcomes the darkness of ignorance and intolerance.  Wisdom is the light that never goes out, the light we aim to instill in our students. 

This season of light amidst the darkness is one that we can all embrace, regardless of our faith tradition.  Many cultures and religions have a celebration like it, whether it be the Hannukah Menorah or the diyas that Hindus light for Diwali.  The yearning for light in the midst of the darkness of winter, the universal thirst for the light of knowledge and wisdom that overcomes the darkness of ignorance – these are things that bring us all together as human beings. 

When we celebrate this season, we are celebrating something essential in the human experience.  Even in this world of electric light and constant connectivity – we find ourselves still disciplined by the Earth’s inexorable cycles of light and dark.

I am delighted to be sharing this magical season with the Seattle University community during my first year as president.  I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

When Seattle University men’s basketball Homecoming game tips off against Idaho State on Sunday, Nov. 14, the Redhawks and Bengals, along with all in attendance, will officially hold the distinction of being the first basketball game played in the brand new, $1.2 billion Climate Pledge Arena. The inaugural basketball game comes less than one month after the arena opened and is the first of eight dates that Seattle U will call Climate Pledge Arena home.

"Our players and staff are thrilled to call Climate Pledge Arena home court,” said Seattle U Head Coach Jim Hayford. “The arena is world class. I can't wait for our fans to be able to come back out, experience all that the arena has to offer and watch the guys play."

Beyond the Homecoming game, you’ve got other great reasons to come out to Climate Pledge. Boost your SU spirit at the Homecoming rally at 4 p.m. and meet our newest alumni affinity group at the Alumni and Students of Color (ASOC) Social at 3 p.m. All are welcome!

The Redhawks are primed for an exciting season in 2021-22 as they welcome fans back into the arena for the first time since February 2020. The season officially opens on Nov. 10 against Alcorn State in the Redhawk Center on campus. The team travels across the state of Washington to face Pac-12 member Washington State on Nov. 12, before returning to Seattle for the annual Homecoming game.

The team returns 13 players, including all five starters from last year, so experience will be on their side.Leading that return is Preseason WAC Player of the Year Darrion Trammell, who led the league in scoring last year at 20.5 ppg. Preseason First Team All-WAC selection Riley Grigsby also returns, while fifth-year senior and sharp-shooter Aaron Nettles looks to climb into the Seattle U all-time three-point shooting list this year.

Excitement and anticipation around the men’s basketball team is coupled with the thrill of experiencing all that the brand new Climate Pledge Arena has to offer. Aiming to be the most progressive, responsible and sustainable arena in the world, the arena’s goals including creating the first International Living Future Institute certified zero carbon arena in the world, being the first arena and NHL Team committed to being 100% free of single-use plastics by 2024, and demonstrate leadership in water quality and water use, including a “Rain to Rink” system that will harvest water off the roof and turn it into the greenest ice in the NHL.

Homecoming is just one week away and there are opportunities for everyone. Run in the Robert Bennedsen Veterans Day 5k on Thursday, Nov. 11 and celebrate with classmates at the 50+ Reunion (Classes of 1971 and earlier) or the GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Reunion for the Classes of 2011-2021 on Saturday, Nov. 13. The Alumni and Students of Color Social includes your game ticket and you have the option to purchase game tickets to sit with your reunion group with your reunion registrations. Otherwise, you can buy your game tickets here.