Alumni Blog

Jeanie (Mallette) Robinson, ’70, ’93, ’05 and Tom Robinson, ’69 met in the student union building, now Hunthausen Hall, in 1968 to discuss finances for the SPURS organization. “As president of SPURS, I requested funding for a club event from Tom, the treasurer of the student body. He approved the request with one of his own: “How about a hot date with the treasurer?” 

This funny anecdote was the start of their relationship. Eighteen months later Tom proposed to Jeanie by pulling her out of a library study session with an engagement ring in his pocket. They ended up getting married exactly two years to the day after their initial meeting. 

It’s not surprising that one of their favorite memories of their time at Seattle University was finding each other. Tom and Jeanie chose to attend Seattle University for different reasons. Jeanie’s main motivation was a desire to move out of the small town of Shelby, Montana and explore the big city. Tom graduated from Seattle Preparatory School in 1964 and spent the following year as a Jesuit Volunteer. “After that, Seattle U with the Jesuits was my first and only choice,” he said. 

While at Seattle U, both Jeanie and Tom spent a majority of their extracurricular time in companion service groups and student government. Jeanie was involved in the SPURS, a women’s service organization, and later became president of the Women Students (AWS). Tom was an active member of Alpha Phi Omega, a service-orientated fraternity, and the treasurer of the student body “My experience at SU with the formal education and involvement in student activities gave me the inspiration and confidence to start some businesses that continue to prosper today,” added Tom. Beyond classes and activities, Jeanie remembers the turmoil of the late 60s. One event especially shaped her senior year experience.

The Vietnam War was waging overseas when National Guard troops shot and killed four student protestors at Kent State University in May of 1970. That event sparked anti-war protest movements across college campuses. “As leaders in student government, we voted to include SU in the protests, starting a march from the library steps, onto I-5 and eventually ending at the Federal Courthouse,” Jeanie recalled. This event was a part of a national week of student-led strikes and is seen as one of the largest protest movements in Washington state. 

Jeanie and Tom talked about how the current unrest in our world parallels the earlier time: “Now more than ever, Seattle U’s mission to help create a just and humane society is vital, not only for the people of the earth but for the earth itself. Seattle U’s concern for the environment is our concern also. The mission of the university is the reason we contribute to Seattle U and continue to be involved."
 
Tom and Jeanie's love of Seattle U hasn't wavered over the last 50 years either. They serve as volunteers for a Campaign for the Uncommon Good (or Jesuit Mission and Student Development Task Force) and have attended numerous Seattle U events, lectures and galas throughout the years. They have supported the university financially and are currently President’s Club and Legacy Society members. 

Jeanie and Tom are excited and proud to support Seattle U’s future. They are both eagerly anticipating attending the virtual 50+ Class reunion on November 14 to reconnect with their SPURS and Alpha Phi Omega friends and help us reach our Our Moment for Mission: The President’s Challenge goal of engaging with 10,000 alumni within the life of the university. Find out how you can get involved with the President’s Challenge and ensure that future students will continue to move forward with purpose and impact our world for the better. 

Growing up in rural Minnesota, Brenda Christensen, ’81 was eager for adventure. As a high school senior, her prayers were answered in the form of a scholarship from the Girl Scouts to spend the summer in Italy—an experience that sparked her imagination and ingenuity, and paved the way for her time and impact at Seattle U.  
 
Christensen graduated from the Albers School of Business & Economics in 1981 and made her first gift, $20 to support the SU Fund, just three years later. As the years progressed, so did her relationship with the university. “I attended events, volunteered, and stayed in touch with staff and faculty who shared updates and opportunities,” says Christensen. “We had conversations about how I wanted to make an impact, and they made it easy to find connections between my values and the difference I could make.”   
 
Eventually, Christensen helped found the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, and later—inspired by her Girl Scouts experience—established an endowment to help Albers students access international experiences. “I had so many life-changing opportunities thanks to the support of others, and I wanted to pay that forward.” Recently, Christensen joined Seattle U’s Board of Trustees and was even recognized as 2019’s Alumna of the Year.  
 
She continues to play an active role in the life of the university, supporting initiatives all across campus and even establishing a bequest to extend her impact beyond her lifetime. What motivates Christensen’s continued generosity? “Listen to the ideas that come out of Seattle U,” she says. “They’re bold and fearless, yet real-world ready. Our lives could be so different if more people could access this critical education and take what they learned out into the world.”  
 
While Christensen is now a major donor, she continues to stress the importance of small gifts and first-time donations from alumni. Christensen tells all of the students that she’s helped, “when you get your first big job, make a gift back to the university. Every gift—of any size—matters, and together we can keep the cycle going by inspiring the next generation of students.” 
 
Engaged alums like Christensen make a powerful impact, ensuring every student receives a transformative education that prepares them to lead us toward a more just and humane world. As part of Our Moment for Mission: The President’s Challenge, we’re calling on every alum to do what they can. By giving of your time, talent or treasure, you can help build equitable access to Seattle U and empower today’s students to impact our world for the better. 
 
Now more than ever before, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present unprecedented challenges, Seattle U students need our help to thrive. Learn more about areas to make a difference here.

Infographic Accessibility: 

Cura personalis — 206k raised during SU Gives supported student programs, including in Athletics and the Office of Multicultural Affairs, 656k from the SU Fund strengthened the student experience and upheld SU’s standard of excellence

Access to Education — 158 student scholarship funds supported by SU donors, 154k raised for the Annual Scholarship Fund

Covid-19 Response — 493 students have received grants from the Emergency Needs Fund to date, 100 new Chromebooks purchased for students to access distance learning