Alumni Blog

As Brian Gonzales, '00, owner of PAIRODIME, a technology, marketing and design company, reflects on his experience at Seattle University you get the sense that all the big and small opportunities he gained while at SU have contributed to his personal and professional journey.

“One of the things that got me excited about the campus was the culture. Getting to attend a school that is grounded in a Catholic background and located in the Pacific Northwest was a great choice for my family,” said Gonzales. As a student on campus Brian was involved in student council, worked at the radio station, drew political cartoons for the Spectator and was involved in several student organizations. The liberal arts education he received while at SU allowed him to explore different academic subjects all through the ethical lens of the human experience. “The most rewarding part of my education were all the different opportunities that SU had to offer,” said Gonzales.

Brian’s outgoing nature combined with his diverse educational background laid the groundwork for him to own his own digital consulting company. “It’s so important to develop the total human. Because of my education at Seattle U, I can chameleon myself into anything my clients need,” said Gonzales.

Brian’s passion for networking, growing community and helping to build the Portland Chapter led to his involvement in the Uncommon Impact: Portland reception. He will be creating a unique and inclusive experience for those who are unable to attend the reception by livestreaming the event. Check out the livestream on our Seattle U Alumni Association Facebook page on Thursday, October 10 at 6 p.m. “I am excited about the livestream event for Portland! It’s a great way to engage with people utilizing popular social media platforms,” says Gonzales. Register here to meet other Seattle University Portland Chapter community members at the Uncommon Impact: Portland reception. 

Other Uncommon Impact Reception Sites:

• Hawaii
• Los Angeles
• Eastside Puget Sound
• Tacoma
• Bay Area, CA
• Spokane

Originally from Nepal, BJ Giri, ‘86, came to Seattle University on a scholarship to pursue a degree in engineering. “My father had previously worked in the Northwest and really wanted me to go to school here,” said Giri. While attending Seattle U he connected with his professors and was involved in several intramural sports. “SU is great! I loved living and working as an RA in the dorms because it allowed me to meet lots of different people from all over the world,” said Giri.

When it was time for his daughter, Cymran, to explore colleges, he suggested that she look at Seattle University. “It’s always great to have your kids follow in your footsteps. I told her it was a great school and I really enjoyed being there, and now, I think she does too,” said Giri.

“My dad encouraged me to look into Seattle University. He told me he got really close to his professors and was able to talk to them about more than education. I thought that was awesome! I knew that I wanted that experience, too,” said Cymran, ‘22. Throughout her first year at SU, she enjoyed participating in thought-provoking discussions in theology class and connecting with faculty members providing her the same Seattle U experience she had always heard from her father.

Last year, their family attended the Legacy Family Celebration where Cymran, as a freshman, was pinned as a legacy student. “It was really cool to see a diverse group of families and all the different generations,” said Cymran. This year, she will have the opportunity to tell her story and what it means to be a part of a legacy family.

Are you a member of multigenerational Seattle U family? Celebrate your family’s SU tradition with us by attending the Legacy Family Celebration.

Friday, October 25
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Campion Ballroom

• REGISTER TO ATTEND THE LEGACY FAMILY CELEBRATION