Looking Ahead

2019 promises to be a significant year for Seattle University. Here are some big doings on the horizon. 

1. “CSI: Seattle U” | This is no crime drama. But it is arguably the biggest development we will see at SU in the coming year as ground is broken this spring for the new, five-story Center for Science and Innovation (CSI). As the website for the project reads, the CSI “is more than stone, steel and glass. It’s the new heart of Seattle University. A place to shape the world’s next generation of leaders. A place where students will gain the skills and knowledge to solve the most pressing problems of today and tomorrow.” 

In addition to heralding the future of STEM at SU, the building will house the Center for Community Engagement; a public maker space; our radio station, KXSU; a café; and more. 

One by one, offices in the University Services Building are moving out to make way for the CSI. Outside the building, trees associated with the Kubota legacy and boulders are being moved to the Union Green and will be returned to the new landscape outside CSI. This is really happening!

2. Strategery | Another major initiative to be undertaken in 2019 is the formulation of a strategic plan for the university. The recently named steering committee leading the effort has been given this charge: “(D)evelop a five-year strategic plan that supports and advances the mission of the university and to do so through an appropriate and consultative process that reflects our values of inclusive excellence and shared governance. The committee is also asked to undertake this work with a long-term perspective, a sense of university citizenship and a spirit of inquiry.” 

As the process continues to move forward, faculty, staff and students will be asked to weigh in on the university’s future direction and priorities.

3. And the Speakers Are… It’s one of the most highly anticipated announcements of the year—the big reveal of who will speak at SU’s commencement. Watch for a message from the president in winter quarter on who will deliver addresses at our undergraduate and graduate ceremonies, which take place June 16. Oh, and by the way, word has it that this year's ceremonies will be held at the Washington State Convention Center as KeyArena is being renovated. And while you’ve got your calendar handy, the law school’s commencement ceremony is May 18. 

4. Redhawks Rising | Our men’s basketball team is off to their best start in 50 years. Could this be the season they break through and punch their ticket to the Big Dance? Make it a New Year’s resolution to support the team and all our student-athletes by attending their games and rooting them onto victory. Visit Athletics for all schedules.

5. “Seattle Squeeze” | The coming year will bring some big changes to our city’s transportation infrastructure, starting Jan. 11 when the viaduct closes for good. Officials expect a three-week lag between the closure of the viaduct and the opening of the new tunnel, which means we’ll see even more traffic on our already crowded roads. This is a good opportunity to squeeze some lemonade out of a lemon by exploring new transportation alternatives, whether by rail, bus, carpool, bike, etc.

What else is on the horizon for the SU community in 2019? Share it with us at thecommons@seattleu.edu.