Alumni Blog

Justin Santiago, ’17, was a Master at Arms (military police officer) Petty Officer 3rd class (MA3) in the U.S. Navy before finding his way to Seattle University. “I was transitioning to life outside of the military and working as a driving school instructor. When I came across a student who was attending Seattle University, it all fell into place.” Justin shared, “The student said it was by far one of the best programs and schools he had enrolled in, so I decided to check it out.”

Justin considered the University of Washington, but it wasn’t the right fit. After Justin toured campus and spoke to professors and students, something clicked and he knew this was where he wanted to be. “I really liked the values of the university and how they focused on developing the whole person,” Justin shared, adding that he really identified with the school’s slogan at the time, “Inspired from above, ignited from within.”

During his time at Seattle University, Justin was a member of the Association of Latino Professionals For America and became involved in Seattle University’s Veterans Group. SU’s Veterans Group is based out of Seattle University’s Outreach Center, which serves as a resource and space on campus for members of the veteran community.

“I assisted with the first wreath dedication ceremony. This was incredible,” Justin said, explaining that the Outreach Center was looking for ways to commemorate Memorial Day. “I was inspired by wreath dedication ceremonies I’d seen in the Navy and I thought it would be something meaningful the university could do to honor the fallen.”

Today, Justin works at DocuSign as a member of the Financial Services team and is the president of the newly developed Veterans Alumni Group.
According to Justin, the main objective of the Veterans Alumni Group is to provide outreach and resources to alumni and students who are veterans, active duty and their dependents. Justin said, “We want to reach out to members of the SU veterans community and provide a professional network as well as support for those looking to transition to civilian life.”

The Veterans Alumni Group is looking to grow its base and engage more community members. As president, Justin encourages those interested in helping to solidify the mission of the group and learning more to reach out to PJ Graziani, Assistant Director in the Seattle U Alumni Association, at graziani@seattleu.edu.
Celebrate Our Veterans During Homecoming

Seattle University is honoring our veterans during Homecoming November 8-11. From fundraising opportunities and service projects to cheering on the Redhawks, there are lots of ways to celebrate our veterans during Homecoming. Check out just a few highlights below.

Saturday, November 10

Homecoming Day of Service
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Seattle U/International District

One way that you can join our veteran community is to participate in Homecoming Day of Service with the Mission Continues. The Mission Continues empowers veterans who are adjusting to life at home to find purpose through community impact. Participants will conduct a neighborhood litter pickup and planting operation in support of the Danny Woo Garden. Register here.

Robert Bennedsen Veteran's Day 5K
9-11:30 a.m.
Seattle University

The run is free with a suggested donation of $15. Attendees who donate $15 or more will receive a limited edition SU challenge coin, while supplies last. Proceeds benefit the Veterans Emergency Fund. Bring your kids and dogs and run or walk the course. Register here.

Sunday, November 11

Men's Basketball Mega Rally and Game
6-7 p.m. Rally | 7 p.m. Game
ShoWare Center

We are showing our gratitude to ALL military & veterans by giving them 4 FREE tickets to our men's basketball game and rally. Sign up for your complimentary tickets and make sure to bring your Military ID in order to retrieve your tickets.

A complete list of Homecoming activities is available here.

In keeping with the Jesuit ethic of cura personalis, Seattle University is committed to developing each student as a whole person—mind, body and spirit. Within Seattle University’s Student Development department, this integrated approach to Jesuit education is seen as a call to action, informing how Student Development staff engages students and collaborates with campus partners.

A sense of belonging, involvement and connection is crucial to student academic success, mental well-being, graduation and, ultimately, success professionally and personally. For many alumni, their experience outside of the classroom was just as formative and impactful as their time spent in class, which is why Seattle University recently invested $6.5 million in the Student Development Initiative.

Part of that investment was in Seattle University’s Outreach Center, which opened its doors in the fall of 2017. The Outreach Center was the brain child of Dr. Alvin Sturdivant, vice president of Student Development. He identified that first generation students weren’t getting direct resources and not enough was being done to support veterans on campus.

The Outreach Center provides events and programming for first generation and veteran student populations, as well as resources on how to be successful at Seattle University, such as how to register for classes, manage homesickness and gain access to veteran benefits.

We sat down with Gretchenrae Campera, ’08, assistant director of success and outreach for Seattle University to learn more about the Outreach Center.
“When I was here, there was nothing like this,” Gretchen Rae said. “I was a first gen student from a military family, so this work is deeply personal. If the Outreach Center had been there for me I would have been more successful. It provides students a place to land with people who understand their experience.”

According to Gretchen Rae, the Outreach Center aligns with Seattle University’s effort to ensure all students are successful. These student populations are important to the Seattle U community, diversifying our student population and providing unique perspectives. The hope is that the services the Outreach Center provides will help make Seattle University more accessible to non-traditional students.

Gretchenrae says they’ve received a lot of questions from the Seattle U community as to why veterans and first generation students are grouped together at the Outreach Center. “The grouping actually makes a lot of sense,” Gretchenrae said, explaining that over 60% of student veterans in the United States are also first generation students. “Both populations experience similar issues, learning to navigate new kinds or relationships and what it means to be a college student.”

The Outreach Center has developed programming such as “First Gen Friday” where first generation students and alumni come together to share their experiences. Other programs connect veterans to their benefits. According to Gretchenrae, community partnerships are important to the outreach center. The center hopes to partner with Seattle University’s alumni. “Both our first gen students and veterans would like the opportunity to get to know alumni and learn about their experience navigating life after college, finding jobs and even applying to grad schools.”

If you would like to get involved with the Outreach Center, you can email them at outreachcenter@seattleu.edu. To learn more about the Outreach Center and their upcoming events, connect with them on Facebook.